The Federal Government will soon commence the construction of a 2-megawatt solar minigrid at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUST), Wudil, as part of efforts to improve power supply in tertiary institutions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Affairs of the university, Malam Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, disclosed this while receiving the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai, in Abuja.
It stated that the contract for the project had already been awarded by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology at a cost of N3.8 billion and is expected to be completed within three months.
The statement said that while most universities benefit from one megawatt solar projects, ADUST would receive two megawatts, adding that the solarisation initiative cuts across all states of the federation.
He explained that the programme prioritises critical infrastructure, including hospitals, tertiary institutions and rural communities.
The statement further quoted the ECN boss as recalling that President Tinubu had earlier directed the flag-off of a 4-megawatt solar project at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital following a power outage incident.
It added that Abdullahi, an alumnus of the university, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the institution, noting that he would continue to promote it wherever he goes.
According to the statement, the ECN Director-General also announced that an additional 200 units of streetlights would soon be provided to the university, aside from the 200 earlier installed.
The statement noted that Abdullahi expressed appreciation to the Chancellor of the university, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Governing Council, staff and students for their support and solidarity.
It further stated that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yakasai, commended the Director-General for his contributions to the development of the university, particularly in improving power supply and enhancing security through the provision of streetlights.
