The renewable energy project, funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is expected to significantly reduce the institution's dependence on the national grid while supporting its transition from the former Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, into a full-fledged university of technology.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the university's Public Relations Officer, Olusola Abiala.
According to the statement, the solar mini-grid will occupy about three acres of land and is designed to provide sustainable power for the institution's growing academic and technological needs.
“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.
“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.
As part of the project's commencement, officials from TETFund formally introduced the consultants and contractors handling the development to the university's management.
The TETFund delegation, led by Arc. Ekpenyong Nsa Ayi, Engr. Aliyu Ibrahim and Arc. Zaharadeen Ahmed, presented representatives of Zango Corporate Innovation Limited, including Engr. Omofuma O., Bamigbose M. A. and Kolaru Oluwatosin E., who will oversee the execution of the solar mini-grid.
Speaking during the presentation, the Rector and Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Dr. Mukail Akinde, described reliable electricity as indispensable to scientific research and technological development.
“An uninterrupted power supply is the backbone of technological advancement. Modern research and student innovations cannot thrive without reliable electricity.”
Akinde expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, and other stakeholders whose support made the project possible.
The university also assured the contractors of its full cooperation throughout the implementation process. Director of Physical Planning, Femi Ajayi, and the Chairman of the TETFund Energy Audit Committee, Omolola S. E., pledged the institution's commitment to ensuring the successful delivery of the project.
University Commissions New Police Post
In a separate development, the university inaugurated a newly constructed police post to enhance security on campus and strengthen safety within the surrounding host community.
The facility was commissioned 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 traditional ruler commended the university's management for investing in security infrastructure, noting that the project would further strengthen the relationship between the institution and its host community.
Akinde reiterated the university's commitment to protecting students, staff and visitors, describing security as a critical component of the institution's development agenda.
“Parents and guardians entrust the university with their children, making the provision of robust security infrastructure a fundamental institutional responsibility.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for facilitating the project, and thanked the incumbent Inspector-General, Tunji Disu, for approving the establishment of a Police Squadron Command within the institution.
Senior police officers, including the Area Commander, ASP Bamidele Job, and the Squadron Commander, Biliamin Katibi, formally received the new facility on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force.
The university's Registrar, Mrs. A. F. Babatola, also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, TETFund and members of the university community for their support.
She described both the solar mini-grid project and the newly commissioned police post as major milestones that will enhance infrastructure, strengthen campus security and advance the institution's ambition of becoming one of Nigeria's leading universities of technology.