FG boosts power supply at FUTI with 1.6MW solar mini grid

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The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a 1.6-MWp/1.5 MWh solar mini-grid at the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State, formerly Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro as part of efforts to improve power supply for teaching, research and innovation.

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The project, funded through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, is expected to provide a stable electricity supply for the institution as it transitions into a university of technology.

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The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Olusola Abiala.

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Abiala said that “The landmark solar project, which will occupy approximately three acres of land, is designed to provide stable electricity for teaching, research, innovation, and other academic activities.

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“The sustainable energy upgrade will further accelerate the institution’s ongoing transition into a premier University of Technology while drastically reducing its dependence on the national grid”.

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He said that as part of the commencement process, officials from TETFund, Arc. Ekpenyong Nsa Ayi, Engr. Aliyu Ibrahim, and Arc. Zaharadeen Ahmed , formally introduced the project consultants and contractors from Zango Corporate Innovation Limited to the institution’s management team.

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Those introduced were Engr. Omofuma O., Bamigbose M. A., and Kolaru Oluwatosin E., who will be responsible for the successful execution of the mini-grid.

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Speaking during the presentation, the Rector and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mukail Akinde, described an uninterrupted power supply as the backbone of technological advancement.

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He emphasised that modern research and student innovations cannot thrive without reliable electricity.

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Akinde explained that “An uninterrupted power supply is the backbone of technological advancement. Modern research and student innovations cannot thrive without reliable electricity.”

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He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.

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The statement added that the Director of Physical Planning, Femi Ajayi, and the Chairman of the TETFund Energy Audit Committee, Omolola S E, assured the contractors of the institution’s cooperation throughout the execution of the project.

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Meanwhile, the university also commissioned a newly constructed police post to strengthen security on campus and in the host community.

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The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, who was represented by the Secretary of the Olu-in-Council, Ayo Dawotola, inaugurated the newly built police station.

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Oba Olugbenle commended the university management for the initiative, saying the project would further strengthen the relationship between the institution and its host community.

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Akinde said the university remained committed to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that investment in security was a priority for the institution.

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He said, “Parents and guardians entrust the university with their children, making the provision of robust security infrastructure a fundamental institutional responsibility.”

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The Rector also appreciated the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for facilitating the project and acknowledged the incumbent Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, for approving the establishment of a Squadron Command within the institution.

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Senior police officers, including the Area Commander, ASP Bamidele Job, and the Squadron Commander, Biliamin Katibi, received the facility on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force.

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The Registrar of the university, Mrs A. F. Babatola, thanked Tinubu, TETFund and members of the university community for their support.

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Babatola described the solar mini-grid project and the police post as significant milestones in the institution’s drive to become a leading university of technology.

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