By Nkiru Anakor
Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has officially commenced the installation of a 1.7MWh Mini-Grid Solar Power Project under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), marking a significant step towards improving energy reliability and sustainability at the institution. The project was flagged off on July 10, during an official site handover ceremony attended by representatives of TETFund, the Polytechnic Management, and the contracting firm.
The rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, formally handed over the project site to the contractors for immediate commencement of work. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Awuzie said the project is expected to be completed within six months.
She explained that the 1.7MWh solar mini-grid is designed to provide renewable, reliable, and cost-effective electricity to power critical academic and administrative operations across the institution. The rector noted that, upon completion, the project would improve operational efficiency, reduce energy costs, and ensure a more stable electricity supply to key facilities within the Polytechnic.
Also speaking, Engr. Odo commended the achievements recorded under the leadership of Dr. Awuzie, noting that Federal Polytechnic, Oko, was selected as one of the beneficiary institutions under the TETFund Mini-Grid Solar Power Initiative. According to him, the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at strengthening energy reliability in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
He explained that the mini-grid is not intended to replace the institution’s entire power supply but to guarantee uninterrupted electricity to critical facilities, including administrative offices, ICT centres, laboratories, and other essential service areas.
Engr. Odo added that the project would enhance energy reliability, lower operational costs, and promote greater energy independence for the institution.
In his remarks, the Team Leader of Trade and Tech International Limited, Engr.
Mohammed Jibril, expressed appreciation to TETFund for the confidence reposed in the company. He assured the Polytechnic Management that the project would be executed in strict compliance with the approved Bill of Quantities and technical specifications, while meeting the stipulated completion timeline.
Nkiru Anakor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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