The Federal Government has awarded a N3.8bn contract for the construction of a 2MW solar mini-grid to generate electricity at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State. The contract was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

According to a statement from the university's Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Affairs, Abdullahi Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Mustapha Abdullahi, disclosed this during a meeting with the university's Vice-Chancellor, Prof Musa Yakasai, in Abuja. The project is slated to commence soon and is expected to be completed within three months.

The ECN boss highlighted that the Renewed Hope solarisation initiative spans across all states, with a focus on providing infrastructure for hospitals, tertiary institutions, and rural areas. He also mentioned that President Bola Tinubu had approved the flag-off of a four-megawatt solar project at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, following reported incidents of patient deaths due to power outages.

In addition to the solar project, the university has already received 200 units of streetlights, facilitated by the Director-General, with an additional 200 units expected soon. The Vice-Chancellor commended the Director-General for his contributions, particularly in improving power supply and security on campus, creating a more conducive environment for students.

The Vice-Chancellor also called for continued collaboration between the university and the ECN in areas such as renewable energy development, the establishment of a central energy laboratory, the deployment of energy calculators, and training initiatives.