The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a 1.6-megawatt peak (MWp)/1.5 megawatt-hour (MWh) solar mini-grid at the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), Ogun State, to provide a stable electricity supply for teaching, research and innovation.
The project, financed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, is expected to strengthen the institution’s power infrastructure as it transitions into a university of technology.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Olusola Abiala.
According to the statement, the solar facility, which will occupy about three acres of land, is designed to improve electricity supply for academic and research activities while reducing reliance on the national grid.
“The landmark solar project is designed to provide stable electricity for teaching, research, innovation and other academic activities. 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,” Abiala said.
Officials of TETFund formally introduced the project consultants and contractors from Zango Corporate Innovation Limited to the university management at the commencement of the project.
Speaking during the presentation, the Rector and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mukail Akinde, described uninterrupted electricity as essential for technological development and innovation.
“An uninterrupted power supply is the backbone of technological advancement. Modern research and student innovations cannot thrive without reliable electricity,” Akinde said.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
Meanwhile, the institution also commissioned a newly constructed police post to improve security within the campus and surrounding community.
The facility was inaugurated by 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.
The monarch commended the university management for the project, noting that it would further strengthen the relationship between the institution and its host community.
Akinde said the university remained committed to protecting lives and property, stressing that security remains a top priority.
“Parents and guardians entrust the university with their children, making the provision of robust security infrastructure a fundamental institutional responsibility,” he stated.
The Rector also acknowledged the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for facilitating the project and thanked the incumbent Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, for approving the establishment of a Squadron Command within the institution.
Senior police officers formally received the facility on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force.
The university’s Registrar, Mrs. A. F. Babatola, described both the solar mini-grid and the new police post as major milestones in the institution’s drive to become a leading university of technology.
