The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the construction of a solar electricity farm to boost power supply and revenue generation at the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA. The kick-off of the construction process was formalized on Friday, February 23, 2024 through the formal handing over of the site to the National Universities Commission (NUC,) under the aegis of the Energizing Education Programme Initiative of the Federal Government which took off in 2016. FUTA is under the phase 2 of the programme.
The Scope of work for FUTA under the programme includes:
1. Solar hybrid power plant of 4.5MWdc capacity
2. Building and furnishing of world class WTC
3. Upgrade of distribution network in the area of provision of new double-busbar switchgear and furnishing of the existing control building. Also linking all the essential/critical night loads to the critical feeder
4. Provision of new street lighting of the major roads in the university
5. Provision of Advanced metering infrastructure for metering of all major buildings and business premises
6. Provision of trainings: 20 female STEM; 100 students on renewable energy; 10 technical staff on O&M of the plant and 15 stakeholders on capacity building on renewable energy technologies.
Speaking at the handing over programme, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Professor Taiwo Amos said it was another giant stride in the development of critical infrastructure of the university. He said the establishment will further place FUTA ahead among the comity of Nigerian Universities. She said FUTA has a standard Project Monitoring Committee who will deploy their expertise to ensure that the project is executed properly as FUTA has no history of failed projects. The Vice Chancellor commended the NUC and the Federal Government for the initiative and assured that it would be judiciously utilized.
The Director, Physical Planning Unit, PPU, Engr Folorunsho Boyinbode said the construction of the farm is a milestone in the annals of FUTA. He said professionals are fully involved and will deliver the project efficiently and within a limited time frame. He said the facilities on ground have been duly inspected and that the solar power project will lead to the provision of sustainable energy and power supply for FUTA and its environs.
Earlier the NUC representative Engr Prosper Esume commended FUTA for being cooperative since the conceptualization of the project. He said the projects have commenced in various higher institutions across Nigeria and are operating in full swing. He also expressed optimism that FUTA would join the league of institutions with adequate power to carry out its functions and activities
