The Federal Government has begun the construction of a 1.6-MWp/1.5 MWh solar mini-grid at the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State, to provide a more reliable electricity supply for academic and research activities.
The renewable energy project, financed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is aimed at improving power availability as the institution continues its transition from a polytechnic to a university of technology.
According to a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Olusola Abiala, the solar facility will occupy about three acres of land and is expected to support teaching, research, innovation, and other academic operations while reducing dependence on the national electricity grid.
As part of the project’s commencement, officials from TETFund formally introduced consultants and contractors from Zango Corporate Innovation Limited to the university management, with the team expected to oversee the successful execution of the mini-grid.
Speaking during the event, the Rector and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mukail Akinde, described uninterrupted electricity as essential for technological development, noting that quality research and innovation require a dependable power supply.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, describing the project as a major boost to the institution’s academic growth.
University officials also assured the contractors of their full cooperation to ensure the timely completion of the project.
In a related development, the institution commissioned a newly built police post to strengthen security within the campus and surrounding community.
The facility was inaugurated on behalf of the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, by the Secretary of the Olu-in-Council, Ayo Dawotola.
The traditional ruler commended the university for the initiative, stating that it would further enhance collaboration between the institution and its host community.
Akinde reaffirmed the university’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that providing a secure learning environment remains one of the institution’s top priorities.
He also appreciated former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for facilitating the project and acknowledged the current Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, for approving the establishment of a Police Squadron Command within the institution.
Senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force officially received the facility, while the university’s Registrar, Mrs. A. F. Babatola, described both the solar mini-grid and the new police post as important milestones in the institution’s journey toward becoming a leading university of technology.
