UNIZIK VC Commissions Faculty-Funded Solar Power Project at Technology and Vocational Education Complex
The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie has commissioned a 20kVA solar power project provided by the Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education for its faculty complex, marking a significant step towards improving sustainable energy supply and enhancing teaching and learning within the faculty.
Welcoming the Vice Chancellor during the inauguration, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. BenChuks Okeke, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for honouring the faculty’s invitation despite his demanding schedule.
He disclosed that the solar power project was funded internally by the faculty and has significantly improved the electricity supply within the faculty complex. According to him, the project has eliminated the persistent challenge of inadequate power supply in the building, thereby creating a more conducive environment for academic and administrative activities.
Prof. Okeke thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support for the faculty and his responsiveness to its requests. He also offered prayers for God’s guidance and grace upon the Vice-Chancellor as he continues to steer the affairs of the University.
The Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Comfort Chimezie Okolocha, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his support and special attention to the Faculty.
She explained that the initiative became necessary owing to the epileptic power supply often experienced and the need to ensure that both academic and non-teaching staff maximise their potential.
“This project is borne out of necessity. Staff need an enabling environment to work effectively. With this inauguration, we are creating a platform that will enhance productivity and enable members of staff to deliver optimally,” she said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie commended the Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education for its initiative and commitment to development. He noted that projects driven by faculties and departments complement the efforts of the University Management and contribute significantly to institutional growth.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of technology and vocational education in national development, stressing that universities must equip students with practical skills that enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
Prof. Anyaehie reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting programmes and initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition. He also thanked the faculty for the honour accorded him during the event.
“I am proud to associate with this Faculty. Vocational and Technical Education is what our nation needs today, and that is why I give priority to the Faculty. I understand the challenges confronting the country and I am committed to supporting the Faculty further. We must learn to do things in-house. People should come here and learn how to do things,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
He also lauded the Dean, Prof. Okolocha, for her purposeful leadership and contributions towards improving staff productivity and promised to entrust the Faculty with more projects in line with his administration’s vision of promoting local capacity and innovation.
The Vice-Chancellor further emphasised that the availability of stable electricity would not only enhance administrative efficiency but also facilitate practical teaching, research activities, digital learning, and skills acquisition, thereby positioning the Faculty as a model for technology-driven education.
It is noteworthy that the solar project was realised through the efforts of a committee chaired by Dr. Uju Onwubuya that successfully mobilised resources for the execution of the project.
Among those present at the event were Prof. Chika Ile, Prof. Amaka Okeke, Prof. Constance Ifeyinwa Okoli, Head of Department of Business Education, Prof. Reko Okoye, Prof. Francisca Nnajiofor, Prof. Mary Noeleen Obi, Head of Department of Home Economics Education, Prof. Joy Obunadike, Prof. Ngozi Ementa, Dr. Augustina Ihediwa, Head of Department of Agricultural Education, Dr. Peter Okoye, Head of Department of Industrial Technology Education, and the Sub-Dean, Dr. Mohammed Auta, among others.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of gifts to the Vice-Chancellor by the Department of Home Economics, as well as the cutting of a commemorative cake.