The Federal University of Education, Zaria (FUE Zaria) to enjoy the Phase II of the Desert to Power Initiative, which entails the construction and installation of a solar hybrid power farm by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB)
.A statement signed by Sani Lawal maqarphy media aide to the vice chancellor said the project is part of the Federal Government’s Energising Education Programme (EEP), aimed at providing reliable and sustainable 24-hour uninterrupted electricity to Federal Universities.
Receiving a delegation from Bolben Energy and Environmental Services Limited, the project consultants, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure expressed the University’s appreciation to the Federal Government for the intervention.
Prof. Bunkure also noted that the initiative would significantly improve energy sustainability, environmental protection, research productivity, and security within the institution, while also improving the overall learning and working environment of the University.
The consultancy team, led by Mrs. Mariam Moshood, conducted a two-day Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of the University and subsequently briefed the Vice-Chancellor on the scope and implementation plan of the project.
The project, which is expected to commence in a very short time, was initially designed to deliver 3 megawatts of power to the University. However, due to land availability constraints, implementation will begin with 1 megawatt, with provisions for future expansion.
Other members of the consultancy team included Engr. Nuruddeen Onomhoale Ahmed, Soil and Water Specialist, and Mr. Muntaqa Muhammad, Environmental Specialist.
Also present during the briefing were the Ag. Registrar, Mal. Shehu Iya Sa’idu; Ag. Director of Works and Services, Engr. Aliyu Ango; Chief of Staff to the VC, Mal. Ibrahim Sani Wambai; Engr. Abubakar Hassan of the Estate Department; and the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union, Dr. Ubale Isma’ila Alhaji.
