- UNN unveils Solar PV Mini-Grid Field Laboratory at 52nd convocation ceremony.
- Minister of Education lauds initiative’s potential to tackle energy challenges nationwide.
At its 52nd convocation ceremony, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) unveiled its Solar PV Mini-Grid Field Laboratory. The educational hub aims to educate about energy generation.
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, praised the initiative, underscoring its potential to mitigate energy challenges nationwide. Mrs. Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of University Education, represented the Minister and extended commendations to UNN’s leadership for spearheading such an impactful project.
Acknowledging the collaborative effort, UNN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Charles Igwe expressed gratitude to critical partners. Including the World Bank and TETFund, for their unwavering support. He emphasised the laboratory’s significance in equipping students and the public with essential energy generation, transmission, and distribution skills.
Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, the Director of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED) at UNN, explained the laboratory’s objectives and elaborated on its role in training future energy experts.
Additionally, he elaborated on the laboratory’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include mini-hydro and biogas systems that aim to provide hands-on experience to students and professionals alike.
Prof. Ejiogu emphasised the laboratory’s pivotal role in addressing the shortage of skilled workforce in the energy sector, positioning it as a vital hub for research, training, and innovation. He reiterated UNN’s commitment to sustainable energy development, emphasising the laboratory’s potential to foster innovation and drive socio-economic growth.
The inauguration of the Solar PV Mini-Grid Field Laboratory marks a significant step forward in UNN’s mission. Aiming to advance education and research in energy is a testament to the university’s dedication to addressing pressing societal challenges through innovation and collaboration. As the nation strives to meet its growing energy demands, initiatives like this are crucial in shaping a sustainable energy future for future generations.