…to produce small Hydropower
The National Centre for Hydropower Research and Development (NACHRED) on Thursday commenced the construction of the office and laboratory building at the University of Ilorin.
The office complex is to be located at the main campus, beside Centre For Peace and Strategic Centre (CPSS) building, University of Ilorin.
Speaking during the official foundation laying, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Energy Commission of Nigeria, Professor Eli Jidere Bala said the project shows commitment of the Federal Government towards investing in research and university education.
Professor Bala, who was represented at the occasion by the Supervisory Director of NACHRED, Mrs Funmi Abiodun, disclosed that the state-of-the-art building infrastructure will be equipped with sophiscated equipment to support specialised teaching and research activities in Hydropower research and training.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, who is also the Chairman Governing Board of NACHRED, Professor Sulyman Abdulkareem, said the centre is committed to identifying, assessing, documenting selected streams, rivers and falls with potential studies to provide up to 10 MW of electricity.
He hinted that centre is proposing a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) programme in Hydropower Technology and Management, under the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering.
He disclosed that the programme will commence as soon as the University of Ilorin Senate approves the drafted Curriculum.
The Vice Chancellor commended the centre under the leadership of Professor Bala for deeming it fit for NACHRED to build a befitting office, workshop and laboratory complex at the University of Ilorin.
Earlier in his welcome address, Director of NACHRED, University of Ilorin, Professor Adebayo Salami said the centre is saddled with the responsibility of contributing to the attainment of UN sustainable development goal (UN-SDGs) of the Federal Government, since electricity is the cornerstone in all meaningful wellness and prosperity of the society.
Salami noted that the official foundation laying ceremony of the NACHRED office is a landmark that will transform rural community with renewable electrification through Small Hydropower (SHPs).
The ceremony was attended by top management and staff of the University of Ilorin including the staff of NACHRED and invited guests from outside the university community.
