UNIMAID solar power project to generate 12 megawatts – Vice Chancellor

The Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, says that the solar power project in the institution is to generate 12 megawatts of electricity.

Shugaba made this known on Friday in an interactive session with journalists in Maiduguri.

He said the project, being executed under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) of the Federal Government, has reached advanced state and is expected to be completed in July.

Shugaba said that the 12 megawatts was to be shared with University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) with UNIMAID getting seven megawatts while UMTH get five megawatts.

According to Shugaba, seven megawatts was more than what the UNIMAID needed and would therefore consider selling the excess energy to the Borno Government or any interested party.

Shugaba, whose five-year tenure as vice chancellor would end on June 3, said despite the challenges of insurgency and COVID-19 recorded during his tenure, some major achievements such as construction and rehabilitation of roads and drainage were recorded.

“Others include construction of Centre for Countering Violent Extremism, rehabilitation of more than 75 houses (staff quarters), drilled and reticulated 12 mini tube-wells to address water shortage and fortification of security apparatus around the campus by installing various security surveillance equipment and procurement of patrol vehicles,” Shugaba said.

He also listed projects donated to the University by some organizations and philanthropists such as the Muhammadu Indimi Centre for International Learning, Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Civil Engineering materials Strength Testing Laboratories donated by Abubakar Isa, and 70 staff quarters donated by the Borno Government.

“Others are Auditorium donated by North East Development Commission, 250-capacity Virtual Examination Centre donated by NCC, Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering and 500-seater lecture Theatre for faculty of Engineering donated by NNPC, ” Shugaba said.

The outgoing vice chancellor urged his successor to operate an open door policy and accommodate everyone including critics to be able to deliver.

He thanked management and staff of the university for their support and cooperation in achievements recorded, and urged for similar support for his successor.