The World Bank Practice Manager for West Africa, Mr Ashish Khanna, has commended the level of work on the 12 megawatts University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) solar power project.
Also satisfied with the level of work on the project, expected to be completed in September 2024, is the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr Abba Abubakar.
The project, funded through the World Bank, is part of the second phase of Federal Government Energising Education Programme (EEP).
Khanna and Abubakar, who are leading a high-level delegation from World Bank and REA to assess the project in UNIMAID, said when completed, the project, the biggest of its kind in any institution in Nigeria, would cater for the energy needs of the university community and its Teaching Hospital.
Khanna, who said that this was his first visit to any state outside Abuja, noted that the project also provided an opportunity for 100 students of UNIMAID, including 20 female students who are interested in solar education, to get training.
He added that “it is wonderful to see the project now due to be delivered in September. I am impressed with what I saw.”
He emphasised the project’s role in skill-building, job creation and fostering innovation among students, especially female Science, Technolgy, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students.
On his part, Abubakar said the project would have been completed earlier, if not for the delay caused by security and movement of necessary equipment from Lagos to Maiduguri.
He said: “What needs to be done now is the completion of distribution line that will take electricity from the site in the university to the teaching hospital.
“This particular project under phase two is the biggest of all the projects we are doing, 12 megawatts is really a big project.”
Mr Olufemi Akinyelure, the Head of Nigeria Electrification Project, said the project aims to create sustainable future for Nigeria’s education institutions.
“The EEP Phase two underscores our dedication to leveraging renewable energy solutions to drive academic excellence and gender inclusion in STEM fields.”
He tasked benefiting institutions to prepare for ownership and ensure maintenance for sustainability and maximum benefit.
According to him, there is a comprehensive sustainability plan that needs the collaboration of benefitting institutions.
The Representative of the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Aliyu Yahaya, thanked the Federal Government and other stakeholders for the project, which he described as “very vital.”
He said that the project would not only address the institution’s power needs but create opportunities for training and revenue generation in selling excess electricity to organisations in need.
While in Maiduguri, the team paid a courtesy visit to the acting Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, who lauded the initiative and assured the administration’s support.
By Yakubu Uba
