MAU Yola establishes 5-megawatt solar farm to generate energy supply to varsity
From Umar Dankano, Yola
In an effort to address the energy supply deficit on its campuses and offices, the Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, has established a 5-megawatt solar farm.
Recall that in October, the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) upgraded MAU’s energy supply line to Band A, on newly created electricity consumption ranges resulting in a monthly energy tariff of over ₦60 million, prompting the institution to seek alternative energy sources.
Disclosing the development at the University’s second (2nd) annual Conference of faculty of Education yesterday, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Academic). Professor Iliyasu Audu said the feat was necessary to tackle the energy deficit on campus and enhance learning and research.
Professor Audu, explained that, the solar farm will generate up to 1.8 megawatts to meet the university’s energy needs, providing a reliable alternative power source.
The solar power project is an initiative of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) under the Energising Education Programme (EEP), which aims to provide sustainable electricity solutions to universities.
In her remarks at the occasion, the Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta who initiated the event 20 years ago urged tertiary institutions to leverage research and innovation to develop practical and sustainable solutions to their financial challenges.
Farauta emphasized the need for institutions to seek homegrown solutions and foster a culture of innovation, ingenuity, and technological advancement to address funding constraints.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Michael Cyril, lamented Nigeria’s failure to meet UNESCO’s recommendation of allocating at least 26% of the national budget to education.
“We must explore creative and practical solutions to bridge funding gaps and ensure the financial sustainability of universities,” Cyril stated.
