OAU Will Become the First Nigerian University to Generate its Own Electricity by October 2019

The Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, announced on Monday, July 15, that the university would be generating its own electricity by October this year.

He disclosed this in a statement at the African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation International Biennial Conference.

Prof Ogunbodede noted that the internally generated electricity would reduce the amount OAU spends on electricity monthly. According to him, the university spends between N35M to N60M every month on its energy needs and added that the electricity being paid for was not available regularly.

This, he said, was an impediment to research work among other works to be done in the institution.

One of the key challenges we have is the unstable supply of energy. In fact, it is so erratic that you cannot plan any meaningful research. Luckily now, we are working with Rural Electrification Agency to provide for us a gas-powered turbine that will generate 8.0 megawatts of electricity.

Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede

According to the vice-chancellor, the energy needs of the university is about six megawatts and the university would be generating 8.03 megawatts from its gas-powered turbine. This will more than meet the university’s energy needs and also allow neighbouring communities to benefit from the excess energy generated.

What we consume as a university is between 5 to 6 megawatts daily. With 8.03 megawatts, we will be comfortable.

Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede

The electricity-generating project which started in 2017 was slated for completion after two years, however, the vice-chancellor announced that it would be completed much earlier with the university getting off the national grid by October.

This development is a big positive step for the university.  In addition to the increased efficiency of the school’s units (e.g. teaching hospital), it will also provide a more comfortable and productive atmosphere for its students. Lecturers can also schedule researches and other academic activities without relying solely on the availability of light from the national grid.