By Oke Peter
Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has inaugurated the Nigeria’s first 2.8MW solar hybrid power project at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo in Ebonyi State.
The project falls under the Energising Education Programme (EEP) of the Federal Government, which was implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The clean-generated power will provide uninterrupted power for 7,700 students and 1,819 staff members of the university, the REA said in a statement.
The managing director and CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, Damilola Ogunbiyi, commented: “This programme will undoubtedly improve the quality of education, research and health care services at our federal universities and teaching hospitals.
“I’m proud of the role that women have played in the successful implementation of this project from the head of the project being a woman to the female STEM students that all worked on the project.”
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Odusote Abimbola, noted: “This programme signifies the commitment of the Federal Government to protecting the environment and reversing the harmful effects of climate change, which is already having devastating effects on our environment. This achievement occurred because government agencies worked collaboratively towards a shared goal of mainstreaming renewable clean energy.’’
On the impact of the FUNAI solar hybrid installations thus far, the EPC contractor and CEO of Sterling & Wilson, Deepak Thakur, said: “The installed 2.8MW solar hybrid power plant will decommission petrol and diesel generators with a capacity of 1.54MW, creating a cleaner and environmentally friendly atmosphere for the university community.”
