From IKECHUKWU NNADI, Nsukka
Touched by the level of innovation and initiative exhibited by the company, the federal government has applauded Azura Power West Africa Limited for donating N900m, 240kw Solar Car Park to the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to boost electricity supply in the Faculty.
Speaking yesterday (Wednesday, November) in Nsukka, at the inauguration and handover of the 240kw solar plant built by Azura Power West Africa Limited, to theFaculty of Engineering as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power emphasised the crucial role of energy in driving development, especially in sectors like education, healthcare, and industry.
“The importance of ensuring that our institutions have access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy cannot be overstated. It is in this context that this project holds such significant value to our yearning and aspiration towards sustainable energy development for the country,” Chief Adelabu said.
“By providing the UNN with the state-of-the-art solar-powered car park, we are not only enhancing the university’s energy capacity but also contributing to the environmental sustainability agenda of our nation,” he added.
The minister commended the donor, Azura Power, for providing an uninterrupted clean power supply to the faculty of engineering, stating that it would go a long way in enhancing research, teaching and learning, not only in the Faculty but in the university as a whole.
“We commend Azura Power for their unwavering commitment to the growth and development of renewable energy in Nigeria.
“This project is a testament to the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and it is believe in the transformative power of renewable energy to address Nigeria’s energy deficits,” the minister said.
Adelabu, who was represented by Mr. Sunday Owolabi, the Director of Renewable and Rural Power Access in the ministry, also commended Crimeng Services Limited, the contractor that handled the project, for delivering the work according to specifications.
“The ministry of power is impressed on the quality of the job done by Crimeng Services Limited and I urged the university to make judicious use of the projects and ensure its adequate maintenance,” he said.
Speaking, Mr. Ekundayo Ibeun, Managing Director of Crimeng Services Limited said that the organization is an indigenous company with a successful tradition and track records in the fields of Energy provision, telecommunication engineering, and building automation.
He said that the 240kw solar car park in UNN was done with indigenous content and innovation, together with technologies around the world.
“We thank Azura Power for selecting Crimeng Services Limited as a sole contractor for this project, and we are happy that we delivered a quality project.
“It is in our custom to have excellence and quality in our project delivery.
“Our organization will stay back in UNN for years to maintain the project as well as train engineers that will take over the maintenance after two years; this project is designed and built to last for 25 years.
In a remarks, Mr. Edu Okeke, the Managing Director of Azura Power, who is an alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering at the UNN, said that Azura Power is an independent power producer (IPP) committed to contributing to the growth of the energy sector in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the UNN project is part of the organization’s initiatives that align with Nigeria’s energy transition goals, and President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s power sector reforms.
“Every year, Azura Power allocates $1m to support projects that promote sustainable livelihoods, health, education, and infrastructure. The solar car park is not merely an addition to the university’s facilities; it represents a significant step towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering educational and social development through renewable energy.
“The solar installation at UNN will cater for approximately 2,650 engineering students, It is projected to generate over 400,000 kwh of clean energy annually, providing a consistent power supply that will enhance learning.
“I urge other alumni and corporate leaders to look back and contribute to our institutions by providing resources to allow them to focus on what matters most, which is the education and empowerment of our future leaders,” he said.
Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNN, represented by Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, said that 240kw solar car park donation to the Faculty of Engineering is a big relief to the university as power supply has been one of the major social infrastructure challenges facing the institution “for some time now.”
“UNN commends Azura Power for this wonderful intervention; if other faculties in the university will receive similar intervention, the problem of electricity supply in UNN will be over,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Ikechukwu Ezema, Dean, Facility of Engineering, UNN expressed optimism that the Azura project would not only provide the Faculty with 240kw of solar power in offices and classrooms, but will also serve as a training facility for students in solar installation, data collection and analysis, among others.
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