The Federal Government has announced plans to commence a one-megawatt solar electrification project at the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), in Oyo State, in a major boost to the institution’s infrastructure and energy supply.
The project, facilitated by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), forms part of a nationwide initiative aimed at providing sustainable and reliable electricity to 16 federal universities.
FUNATO is among the beneficiaries selected in the South-West, alongside Adeyemi University of Education and the Federal University of Health Sciences, Oyan.
As part of preparations for the project, the university management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jacob Babayemi, held a consultative meeting with an REA delegation and members of the Onjo-in-Council, the traditional advisory body of the host community, to begin implementation protocols.
Speaking during the meeting, REA technical consultant, Mr. David Ogunsawe, said the current phase focuses on compliance and sustainability requirements ahead of project execution.
He explained that the solar electrification initiative has already received approval and is expected to commence within the next few months.
Ogunsawe added that the project will be implemented under a public-private partnership model in line with the Federal Government’s Solar Power Naija and Energising Education Programme, aimed at expanding access to clean and reliable energy in tertiary institutions.
To accommodate the solar facility and supporting infrastructure, the university is expected to allocate about 75 acres of land within its permanent site.
Vice-Chancellor Babayemi confirmed the institution’s readiness to provide the required land, describing the project as a critical step toward transforming the university into a technology-driven centre of excellence.
He also appointed a community elder, Alhaji Isiaka Salawu, to serve as liaison between the university, technical teams, and the host community to ensure smooth coordination during the environmental and social impact assessment process.
The solar project is expected to significantly improve electricity supply at the university and support academic, research, and administrative activities.
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