The Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede on Tuesday said the institution has obtained Marketing License to distribute electricity to communities around the institution.
Briefing journalists during a press conference to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the institution held at the campus in Ile-Ife, Ogunbodede said the 8.03MW Rural Electrification Agency (REA) power project for the supply of electricity to the University is ongoing and almost completed.
“The University has processed and obtained from the Transmission Corporation of Nigeria the Marketing License as electricity distributor, the first Nigerian University to enjoy the privilege. This will enable OAU to generate its own electricity.
“The aim is to reduce the economic burden of high tariff and ensure regular electricity supply to enhance its various academic activities.
“The University presently pays over N80m per month for electricity and additionally over N2million per month on Diesel to power generators.”
While enumerating the achievements of the institution, Ogunbodede said the University has made significant advances in research, resulting in nationally and globally significant success stories.
“The University has achieved rapid growth and development, particularly in the areas of academic programmes, research, infrastructural and human resources development.
“The University has produced, among its staff, a Nobel Laureate and six Nigerian National Merit Award Winners,” he said.
While commending the University Alumni and friends for their assistance in supporting various projects and programmes in the institution, he asked for more intervention and support in the face of inadequate and dwindling resources from the Federal Government.
Also speaking, the Pro Chancellor of the institution, Owelle Oscar Udoji assured that the council will do its best to move the institution forward.
The 60th anniversary logo of the university was also unveiled at the conference.
