FUT Ilaro Lauds Tinubu TETFUND 1.6MW Solar Project, Donates Police Post
The Federal Government, under the leadership of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has taken another bold step in strengthening technological education with the commencement of a project site for the procurement and construction of a 1.6MWp/1.5MWh solar mini-grid at the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The infrastructure development comes alongside a major security upgrade on campus, as the university management simultaneously commissioned and donated a newly constructed Police Post to the Nigeria Police Force to secure the academic environment and its host community.
The landmark solar project, which will occupy approximately three acres of land, is designed to provide stable electricity for teaching, research, innovation, and other academic activities.
The sustainable energy upgrade will further accelerate the institution’s ongoing transition into a premier University of Technology while drastically reducing its dependence on the national grid.
As part of the commencement process, officials from TETFund—Arc. Ekpenyong Nsa Ayi, Engr. Aliyu Ibrahim, and Arc. Zaharadeen Ahmed Sale—formally introduced the project consultants and contractors from Zango Corporate Innovation Limited to the institution’s management team.
Among those introduced were Engr. Omofuma O., Bamigbose M. A., and Kolaru Oluwatosin E., who will be responsible for the successful execution of the mini-grid.
Speaking during the presentation, the Rector and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde, FCA, FCTI, ACS, described an uninterrupted power supply as the backbone of technological advancement.
He emphasized that modern research and student innovations cannot thrive without reliable electricity.
Dr. Akinde expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, and all other key stakeholders.
FUTI’s Director of Physical Planning, TPL Femi Ajayi, and the Chairman of the TETFund Energy Audit Committee, Engr. Omolola S.E., assured the incoming contractors of maximum cooperation, promising a peaceful and enabling environment throughout the installation phase.
Recognizing that academic excellence and stable infrastructure require an absolute atmosphere of safety, FUT Ilaro paired its green energy drive with the launch of a newly constructed Police Post.
The facility was officially commissioned on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Asade Agunloye IV, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, represented by the Secretary of the Olu-in-Council, Chief Ayo Dawotola.
Chief Dawotola commended the university’s management for the impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, noting that the post will deepen the cordial relationship between the institution and Yewaland.
Dr. Akinde reaffirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and properties, stating that the Governing Council regards campus security as a priceless investment.
According to the Rector, parents and guardians entrust the university with their children, making the provision of robust security infrastructure a fundamental institutional responsibility.
The Rector extended his appreciation to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, for his pivotal role in facilitating the project, while acknowledging the incumbent Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, for approving the establishment of a Squadron Command within the institution to further reinforce campus safety.
The newly commissioned Police Post is expected to improve rapid emergency response and strengthen collaboration between national security agencies and the school.
Senior police officers, including Area Commander ASP Bamidele Job and Squadron Commander Biliamin Katibi, formally received the facility on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force.
In her vote of thanks, the Registrar of the University, Mrs. A. F. Babatola, conveyed the institution’s sincere appreciation to President Tinubu, TETFund Executive Secretary Arc. Sonny Echono, and the university community.
She reaffirmed the institution’s determination to protect the new assets, describing the dual achievements as a major milestone in FUTI’s journey toward becoming a leading global University of Technology.
