FG Boosts Power Supply at FUTI with 1.6MW Solar Mini Grid

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.

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.

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

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.

“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”.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.