The Federal Government has initiated the setup of a 1-megawatt solar hybrid power system at Bayero University Kano, a move designed to bolster consistent and sustainable electricity provision within the university.
This project was announced by the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, during its official groundbreaking ceremony at the university campus.
Abdullahi highlighted the system's advanced technology, noting its capability to generate power even under challenging conditions such as partial shading or dusty environments, making it the first of its kind.
He further explained that the hybrid system includes a smart monitoring feature, enabling remote tracking of performance and management of power consumption via mobile devices and computers.
"This is not merely an independent unit; it's an integrated solution where panels, inverters, batteries, and transformers collaborate centrally and efficiently," he stated.
The DG elaborated that the project originated from a thorough energy assessment of the university, which has a student and staff population exceeding 40,000. The current 1MW installation is considered a pilot phase.
He indicated that plans are already in motion to augment the capacity with an additional 4.5MW once the performance of the initial phase is evaluated.
Abdullahi added that this initiative is part of a wider national strategy for renewable energy, with approximately 150MW already deployed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He reiterated that the project aligns with the Federal Government's dedication to providing accessible and dependable energy through solar solutions.
Funding for the project has been secured, and contractors are prepared for full mobilization to the site, Abdullahi assured the university administration.
Crucial components, including lithium batteries and solar panels, have already been delivered, signalling the imminent commencement of the project's execution.
The DG stated that the project is expected to substantially improve the electricity supply to classrooms, offices, and various other facilities within the university, thereby positively impacting teaching, learning, and research activities.
Following this, the official groundbreaking ceremony was performed, with Abdullahi expressing confidence that the project would serve as a benchmark for similar future initiatives nationwide.
This development occurs amidst ongoing efforts to rectify issues with a prior solar project at the university.
The previously commissioned N5.6 billion, 3.5MW solar hybrid power plant, launched in 2019 by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, was once recognized as Africa's largest off-grid solar facility.
This earlier project, managed by the Rural Electrification Agency as part of the Energising Education Programme, provided electricity to the university's new campus, covering lecture halls, student accommodations, and staff housing.
However, by 2021, the facility experienced malfunctions and was subsequently taken offline, compelling the institution to revert to diesel generators and the national grid.
The shutdown led to the agency's subsequent plans to revitalize and expand the plant to 6MW under a N100 billion federal solarisation program targeting educational institutions in Nigeria.
Available records indicate that the initial project, which included over 10,000 solar panels and multiple inverters, had considerably lowered the university's energy expenditures before its operational failure.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, attributed the earlier project's issues to the non-involvement of the institution's technical specialists during its implementation. He suggested that their participation in the new phase would enhance maintenance and long-term sustainability.
He conveyed optimism regarding the new project and pledged the university's commitment to its proper utilization and upkeep.
"We will ensure that we maintain it and use it judiciously. Where we decided to use it is a place that we are having issues of security, so it will go a long way in solving that challenge.
"I have equally instructed our security personnel to make sure they protect it and ensure it is always in good condition," he added.
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