AS part of the solarization drive under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, construction of a 2-megawatt solar minigrid project for power generation at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, is set to commence soon.
According to a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Deputy Registrar of the University, Information and Public Affairs, Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, disclosed this development on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai.
Dr. Abdullahi revealed that the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has already awarded the contract for the project, which is valued at N3.8 billion, signaling a major step toward addressing power challenges in the institution.
Details of the development were contained in a press release issued to journalists by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Affairs of the university, Malam Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi.
Providing further insight into the project, the ECN Director-General explained that the solar installation is expected to be completed within three months, emphasizing that the scale of the project places the institution ahead of many others.
“Most universities receive 1 megawatt, but we are starting with 2 megawatts in Wudil,” he stated.
He noted that the Renewed Hope solarization initiative spans across all states of the federation, with critical infrastructure such as hospitals, tertiary institutions, and rural communities positioned as primary beneficiaries.
Dr. Abdullahi also linked the urgency of the solar intervention to a directive by President Tinubu, who ordered the flag-off of a 4-megawatt solar project at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital following a tragic incident where two patients reportedly died due to a lack of electricity.
Speaking from a personal standpoint, the ECN boss, an alumnus of the university, reaffirmed his commitment to giving back to his alma mater.
“You have given me everything and I will give back to you. I never shy away from introducing the university wherever I go. You made us, and without you I will not be here,” he said.
Dr. Abdullahi further disclosed that he had earlier facilitated the provision of 200 units of streetlights to the university and announced that an additional 200 units would soon be delivered to further enhance the campus environment.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chancellor of the university, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as well as members of the Governing Council, staff, and students, for the support and solidarity extended to him.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai, commended the Director-General for his sustained contributions to the development of the university, particularly in the area of power supply.
“We acknowledge the provision of 200 units of streetlights, which significantly transformed the system by reducing security challenges and creating opportunities for students to study comfortably, especially at night,” the Vice Chancellor said.
He also appreciated Dr. Abdullahi’s support toward the successful hosting of the 2025 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) preliminaries, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the institution.
“We cherish you for being a good ambassador of the university,” he added.
Professor Yakasai, however, sought further collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria in areas such as renewable energy development, establishment of a Central Energy Laboratory, deployment of an Energy Calculator, training programmes, and other strategic initiatives.
He also congratulated Dr. Abdullahi on his appointment as Director-General by President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver on his mandate.