Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday inaugurated 2.0 megawatt solar powered electricity project in Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS) to enhance energy supply and youths training in the institution.
Buhari, who was represented by Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, said the project tagged ” Energizing Education Programme (EEP), was conceptualized to power Federal Universities and University Teaching Hospitals in the country.
He explained that the projects is being implemented by Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and expressed committment to ensure the best and most sustainable delivery of the projects.
” UDUS is not only one of the beneficiary universities under the first phase of the Federal Government’s Energizing Education Programme, it is equally an institution that has, historically churned out great men and women.
” This marks another historical moment to the delight of the Rural Electrification Agency as well as the students and staff members of this great institution.
” We all know that electricity is central to everything we do as a society. It enables our economies and communities to thrive. ” Buhari said.
Buhari underscored the importance of tackling the effect of climate change through driving a responsive renewable power project as alternative to support the supply of clean, safe and affordable electricity.
” It is in fulfilment of our strategic drive using modern technology to address the issue of climate change so as to reduce by 20% the carbon emissions inorder to limit the harmful effect of same to the environment and society.”
” This will enable a safe and conducive learning environment on our universities campuses, communities, security as well support the drive for the girl child education and improve quality of healthcare services” , he stated.
He reiterated FG committment toward efficient supply of electricity to the nation through different initiatives aimed at facilitating rebust business growth and improve wellbeing of Nigerians.
The Minister of Power, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, said UDUS is the 8th university to be energized under the Phase one of the EEP designed to be furnished with 8.65km of solar-powered streetlights, a functional workshop and training centre (WTC).
He said the center will begin with training of 20 female Interns through the EEP STEM programme.
” This project is designed to sufficiently serve the students and staff members of this institution with clean, safe and reliable energy.
” The Federal Ministry of Power has focused on nurturing this emerging off-grid sector with the right policy initiatives.
” EEP is one of many policy interventions of the Federal Government through the Ministry, aimed at closing the energy access gap in learning institutions, ” Minister said.
The Minister added that the project is among the many projects funded with the proceeds of the first issuance of Nigeria sovereign green bond which is an innovative financing mechanism to fund implementation of climate change projects.
Aliyu described the strides also as a demonstration of government commitment to the implementation of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) goals and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
” It is basically aimed at reducing Green House Gases (GHGs) by 20% (conditionally) and 47% (unconditionally) in accordance with Paris Accord on Climate Change”, he added.
The Managing Director of REA, Mr Ahmad Salihijo, said EEP is one of many policy interventions of the Federal Government through the Ministry, aimed at closing the energy access gap in learning institutions.
” As we rounded up all projects under the Phase one of this programme, I am happy to inform you that we already kicked off the second Phase, with funding from the World Bank under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).
” As an implementing Agency of the Federal Government, the REA is committed to ensuring the best and most sustainable delivery of these projects. ” Ahmad said.
He expressed appreciation on the support of the Sokoto State Government and the leadership of Governor Aminu Tambuwal as well as Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
He further lauded METKA team for diligently working with the technical team at the REA for the timely deployment of this project.
” We also appreciate the team of engineers at METKA for playing a key part in instilling in our Female STEM interns quality, on-the-field knowledge, ” He added.
The MD explained that he also inspected COVID-19 Intervention Isolation and Treatment Centres under the Nigerian Electrification Project with Support from the World Bank at Sir Yahya Memorial Hospital Birin Kebbi.
UDUS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawal Bilbis, commended the FG for numerous interventions in institution noting the present 2.0MWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid Power Plant would surely argument scholarly works and other wellbeing of Nigerians
