The Federal Government of Nigeria Commissioned the Largest Off Grid Solar Hybrid Power Plant in Africa under the Energizing Education Programme

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, September 08, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Federal Government of Nigeria commissioned the largest off grid solar hybrid power plant in Africa at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP). As a result, 55,815 students and 3,077 staff now have access to electricity supply from the university's 7.1MW solar hybrid power plant. Under implementation by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) is a Federal Government intervention focused on developing off-grid dedicated independent power plants, rehabilitating existing distribution infrastructure to supply clean, safe and reliable power to 37 federal universities and 7 affiliated university teaching hospitals.

The Bayero University commissioning included the launch of 11.41KM of solar powered street lights as well as a worldclass renewables training centre. The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, stated that "This is the largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant in Africa, one we, as Nigerians, should be very proud of, thanks to the commitment of the Federal Government towards sustainable energy and education. Students and staff of Bayero University, Kano can now experience learning and teaching in a safer, cleaner and more conducive academic environment."

Commenting on the impact of the BUK solar hybrid installations, Mr. Evangelos Kamaris, Managing Director, METKA West Africa Limited, the EPC contractor mentioned that "the state-of-the-art solar hybrid power plant will result in carbon dioxide savings of 108,875,120Ibs, a feat we as green contractors are proud of."

Bayero University, Kano is the second project to be commissioned under Phase 1 of the Energizing Education Programme that will deliver clean and sustainable energy to nine federal universities and one university teaching hospital in the next 4 years, using solar hybrid and/or gas-fired captive power plants. "Notably, under the EEP, students will be responsible for the project's sustainability thanks to the technical and practical training our students received through construction" BUK Vice-Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello, explained.

In his remarks, Engr. Sale Mamman, the Honorable Minister, Federal Ministry of Power noted that "the Ministry's power policy specifically targets education to ensure that all federal universities, to begin with, have access to reliable electricity. Notably, the Energizing Education Programme was designed to involve students from project inception for project sustainability."

Additionally, the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje stated that "Kano State is committed to fostering technical and practical training, therefore, this programme is strategically aligned to our state level job creation and capacity building objectives. Furthermore, as one of Nigeria's commercial centres, Kano prides itself in nurturing private sector engagements."

In his speech, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON noted that the Programme aligns to the Administration's Next Level Roadmap and upholds the Federal Government's adherence to global best practice in the provision of cleaner sources of energy. He reiterated that "the Energizing Education Programme is strategic to fulfilling Nigeria's commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change as we aim to reduce Nigeria's carbon footprint using renewable energy technologies, in line with the Federal Government's mandate and unwavering efforts to increase renewable energy."

A major highlight of the event was the graduation of 20 female students who participated in the Female STEM Students Internship Programme. The students, who received practical training during the course of the project construction were awarded certificates of completion.

ABOUT REA
The Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is the Implementing Agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) tasked with the electrification of unserved and underserved communities. The Energizing Education Programme (EEP) is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide sustainable and clean power supply to 37 Federal Universities and 7 University Teaching Hospitals across Nigeria. The project includes the provision of an independent power plant, upgrading existing distribution infrastructure, street lighting to improve security within the universities' campuses, as well as the development of a world class training centres on renewable energy for each university. The programme is being implemented in three phases and funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the World Bank and the African Development Bank respectively.

ABOUT BUK
Bayero University Kano's commitment to excellence began in 1977 when it became a full-fledged university. The University, under the leadership of Muhammad Yahuza Bello, aspires to address African developmental challenges through cutting edge research, knowledge transfer and training of high quality graduates.

ABOUT METKAs
METKA is the business unit of MYTILINEOS S.A. The company handles construction of large-scale Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) projects, as well as high-value-added industrial manufacturing activities, used for applications in the energy, infrastructure and defense sectors. METKA is strongly focused on serving the needs of international markets and is active in carrying out major power plant projects throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with strong emphasis on highly efficient power plant construction.

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