The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has approved an N1 billion solar mini-grid project for the Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State, to improve electricity supply on the university campus.
The project, approved under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Solarization Agenda for Alternative Energy, will involve the installation of a 0.5-megawatt (500-kilowatt) solar mini-grid.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Public Affairs of the university, Mr Abdullahi Yahaya Bello, and made available to Online Tribune in Dutse, the state capital.
According to the statement, work on the project is expected to commence soon and be completed within three months.
It said the solar mini-grid would provide additional electricity to the university and improve power supply for teaching, learning, research, and other activities on campus.
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The statement also disclosed that the Energy Commission had approved 100 solar-powered streetlights for the university, with 50 already ready for installation.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of FUD, Professor Ahmad Mohammed Gumel, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Director-General of the Energy Commission, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for the initiative.
Gumel also said the commission was prepared to partner with the university on renewable energy research.
He said the partnership would enable the institution to strengthen research and innovation in renewable energy while contributing to efforts to promote sustainable power solutions.