REA HANDOVER SOLAR POWER PLANT TO AE-FUNAI AUTHORITY
Monday January 18th and Tuesday 19th January, 2021 will be remembered in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi, as the official handover dates for the 2.8 Mega Watts Solar Hybrid Plant.


Engr. Okwara making presentation.
On the aforementioned dates, the Resident Engineer of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Kalu Okwara, representing the Managing Director of the Agency and accompanied by the Plant Operator, Mr Nweke Chibuzor Emmanuel, visited the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba in the presence of other top rank officers of the University, to hand over all relevant reports and documents on the operations of the solar plant which has provided clean uninterrupted power supply and afforded over 8000 students and over 1,800 staff access to clean reliable energy with over 7km of solar powered street lights in the institution since its installation and commissioning by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (GCON) on Friday August 2, 2019. REA team has managed the plant since inception till when it became necessary and in line with the operations policy to handover to the host University to take full responsibility for its operations and management. Some University staff and students have been trained on the effective management of the power plant and according to the Resident Engineer, the documents so presented would provide necessary information to guide them in doing the job.


VC, Prof. Nwajiuba receiving the files.
Receiving the documents on various aspects of the plant operations, VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba thanked Engr. Okwara and his team for the good job they have done from the installation of the plant to its operations, which resulted to the 24 hour power supply the University is enjoying, assuring that the University now has capable hands and capacity to run the plant. Going forward, he urged the Agency, represented by Engr. Okwara to keep the very good working relationship existing between them and the University alive and to always make themselves available when needed or consulted to ensure there is no disruptions in the running of the plant. We asked Director, Physical Planning, Works & Services, Dr. Iheanacho Ezeocha to take charge to ensure the smooth running of the plant.


Prof. Nwajiuba making remarks
The next day, Tuesday 19th February 2021, Engr. Okwara led another Solar Power Project Group from Sterling & Wilson Nigeria Limited, who executed the Project for REA to make presentation and conclude the handover. Those in the team were Mr. Salish Kwanalli, Solar Plant Construction Manager, and Divya Hod, who also presented relevant documents on the project to Prof. Nwajiuba and affirmed that the cordial relationship existing between the university and their company will grow even stronger.


Prof. Nwajiuba endorsing the hand over document.
Recall that AE-FUNAI off-grid power plant was the first to be commissioned among the selected 37 universities and 7 affiliate Teaching Hospitals under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Energizing Education Programme (EEP), Phase 1 University Project, fully funded by the Federal Government.


Prof. Nwajiuba exchanging pleasantries with team.
The project is part of the Federal Government Energizing Education Programme, which kicked off since 2016 which has afforded opportunity for the training of 180 female STEM students including female students of AE-FUNAI. The programme, according to the Agency would ensure that women database were created to enhance women participation and girl child and gender inclusion.


Prof Nwajiuba receiving final paper from Engr. Okwara flanked by the visiting team (L) and University officers(R).



Prof Nwajiuba with Engr. Okwara and some University officers.