MELAYE VISITS ALMA MATER, COMMISSIONS ABU 10 MEGA WATTS SOLAR POWER

ZARIA, Kaduna – Chairman Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, Otunba Dino Melaye has commissioned a 10 megawatts solar power plant at his alma matter, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Speaking at the event, the Senator said the power plant is a sustainable power infrastructure that is quick to install, easy to maintain. He said the university needs electricity to shape and stimulate the young minds of today who will become leaders, innovators and captains of industry for tomorrow.

Nigeria’s power deficit is a serious drag on its ability to diversify and industrialise the economy.

“It is an even bigger drag on education. Students and faculty suffer the effects of epileptic power supply. It is a cause of epileptic education, with attendant epileptic outcomes. From equipment spoiling to unsanitary conditions in our halls of residence, lack of power is the bane of our academic and social existence. It forces the university to divert funds to buy diesel that could be better used for staff and student education and welfare”, he said.

He noted that in a society at large, lack of power keeps acts as obstacle to rise in standard of living and lifting the masses from poverty.

“In Brazil under President Lula Da Silva, over 10 million families were lifted out of poverty because of a programme of electrification called “Light for All”. Vietnam in Asia has experienced 14% growth in its Power sector, when most countries are lucky to experience 8% growth.

“We in Nigeria have a power sector that, though privatised, still struggles to deliver 5,000 mega watts and even then relies on government for subsidies. Brazil by comparison has one power station (Itaipu) that can generate 14,000 mega watts. One Brazilian power station generates three times more power than the whole of Nigeria is currently able to deliver to consumers”, he said.
He explained that Nigeria may be Africa’s largest economy but that each Nigerian on average consumes less power in a year than Ghanaians or South Africans.

“Imagine if we had adequate power to keep the textile industries thriving, would we need to wear cloth made in China? Imagine if we have had stable power in Kano, would we need to import cooking oil? Imagine if we had stable power, would we be wearing Italian leather shoes?

“Imagine if we had stable power, would be importing desks and chairs or even tomato paste? Ground nut, cotton, textile, leather and furniture were thriving industries existing in the north during the time of Saudanna; Industries this university was supposed to supply with graduates eager to join the workforce. They are all dead because of lack of power”, he said.