The Nigerian Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, inaugurated the Phase 1 Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Mini Grid Field Laboratory at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), during the university’s 52nd convocation ceremony.
The solar energy training facility aims to provide training for staff, students, corporate bodies, and the public on conventional and alternative energy generation methods.
Prof. Mamman praised UNN for the initiative, highlighting the laboratory’s potential to equip individuals with the necessary skills and capacity for various forms of energy generation. He emphasized the importance of supporting such projects to address Nigeria’s energy challenges.
“This is the type of project the nation needs to support and find solutions to the energy challenges facing the country,” the Minister said.
Representing the Minister, Mrs. Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of University Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, commended UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, for his administration’s numerous projects.
Prof. Igwe expressed gratitude to the World Bank, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Federal Ministry of Education, and other supporters for funding the projects.
However, he appealed for additional funds to enable the institution to undertake more projects.
Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, Director of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED) at UNN, highlighted the energy park’s significance in training individuals on energy-related disciplines. He emphasized the importance of practical training in achieving sustainable energy development.
“One aspect of the ACE-SPED is to train people on Masters and PhD degrees in several areas that connect to energy as a way of achieving sustainable energy development.
The Energy Park features a Solar mini-grid and other electricity generation systems, including Mini hydro grid, Thermal System, and Wind Biodigester System (Biogas), providing hands-on training opportunities for sustainable energy development.
