By Ibrahim Suleiman
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has commissioned the upgraded Kainji Hydropower Plant facility at its Faculty of Engineering.
The facility was restored with support from Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, described the commissioning as a milestone in the university’s effort to promote quality, relevant and practical-oriented education.
He noted that the facility had played an important role in the history of the Faculty of Engineering and the university.
According to him, the upgraded facility will serve as a training resource for students across engineering disciplines, including Civil, Water Resources, Mechanical, Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Prof. Adamu Ahmed said the facility is expected to strengthen the link between classroom instruction and practical engineering, support research and innovation, and improve students’ problem-solving skills.
He also said the university would encourage employment opportunities for its graduates, including at Mainstream Energy, where possible.
The Vice-Chancellor referred to previous support by the company, including interventions at the university’s 45th Convocation earlier in the year, which he said included the upgrade of the 1,000-seat auditorium and renovation of toilet facilities.
He said the university expects its relationship with industry to be based on sustained engagement, shared priorities and mutual benefit, rather than occasional support.
In his welcome remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. J. Kaura, said the partnership with Mainstream Energy began as a student outreach and had grown into a standing partnership.
He thanked the company for supporting engineering education, research and innovation, and thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his leadership.
Prof. Kaura said the facility should not become an abandoned infrastructure after commissioning.
He said the faculty intends to use it for practical teaching, postgraduate research, multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation in hydropower and renewable energy.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Mr. Suraj Abdullahi, said the company’s support for ABU was influenced by the commitment demonstrated by the university’s leadership.
Mr. Abdullahi said education is one of the focus areas of the Mainstream Foundation, alongside health, economic empowerment and the environment.
He said the company was willing to discuss an agreement that would allow ABU students to observe annual maintenance exercises and the installation of new units at its power stations.
According to him, the company would facilitate travel, accommodation and feeding for participating students, if the arrangement is agreed.
He disclosed that generation had increased from about 600 megawatts at takeover to over 2,000 megawatts, contributing more than 25 per cent of power on the national grid.
The ceremony was attended by members of the university management, staff and students, as well as officials of Mainstream Energy.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
