OAU 8.05Megawatts power project for completion soon – Minister

* University set to exit national power grid

Isola Moses

With prospects of ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the University community and permission to exit the perennial national grid challenges, Prince Goddy Agba, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of State for Power, has assured the authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, that 8.05Megawatts Power Project by the Federal Government would soon be completed.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that Prince Agba gave the assurance during his inspection of the power project on Obafemi Awolowo University campus in Ile-Ife, Saturday, February 8.

According to the Minister, the Federal Government initiated the project in collaboration with other agencies.

“The institution will no longer experience national grid challenges, for education is the bedrock of a developed country; we have no choice than giving our best.

“The Project will generate 8.05Megawatts of electricity, which will be more than enough for the community at the present time,” the Minister said.

He added that the projects would cut across universities in the six geo-political zones of the country.

Earlier, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said the visit of the minister to the university marked a joyful day for the institution.

Dr. Ogunbiyi stated that with the committed efforts of the minister to the power project, the University community believes that things would work out very well for the university.

Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, Vice-Chancellor of the University, also explained that the inspiration behind the project was due to epileptic power supply currently being experienced in the institution.

Ogunbodede noted that completion of the project would alleviate the suffering of residents of the higher institution of learning.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed that successful execution of the project would improve the economic situation in the area and also enhance effective security of the university.

The power project has huge academic relevance, as it would enrich the students, particularly those of the Electrical/Electronic Engineering with more unquantifiable practical knowledge, Ogunbodede disclosed.