Appraising private sector participation in electricity infrastructure provision to achieve SDGs in Nigeria’s higher education institutions

Purpose Infrastructure provision, including electricity in developing countries, is capital-intensive and may require private sector intervention. Private sector participation in the provision of electricity infrastructure in higher education institutions (HEIs) may enhance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 7. Empirical studies regarding private sector participation in electricity infrastructure provision for HEIs in developing countries are not documented and will be filled in this study. Thus, this study aims to examine the perceived challenges to private sector participation in electricity infrastructure and proposes measures to enhance energy provision in Nigeria’s public HEIs, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDGs 4 and 7. Design/methodology/approach The researchers collected qualitative data via virtual semi-structured interviews with 45 experts and covered Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. This study achieved the saturation point at the 39th participant. The researchers also analysed the emerging themes using thematic analysis. Findings Findings reveal insufficient electricity infrastructure provision in Nigeria’s HEIs. Policy misalignment, political interference, unethical practices by stakeholders, poor incentives to investors, shortage of generated electricity, lax institutional framework, low budget on education, absence of infrastructure to boost electricity, alternative sources of power are capital-intensive, absence of a feasible model to attract public–private partnership, ageing physical infrastructure and high pricing of electricity emerged as the major challenges facing private sector participation in electricity infrastructure provision in Nigeria’s public HEIs. Originality/value This study may prompt Nigeria’s electricity sector policymakers to revitalise other clean energy sources, along with the necessary institutional framework, to improve electricity infrastructure provision in HEIs, particularly in implementing the new Electricity Act 2003.