FUHSO Begins Environmental Assessment for Proposed 2MW Solar Power Plant

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) has recorded another milestone in its efforts to relocate to its permanent site as officials from the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Benue State Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, and environmental consultants commenced an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for a proposed 2-megawatt (2MW) solar photovoltaic power plant.

The site verification and baseline assessment, conducted on July 18, 2026, at the University's permanent campus, forms part of the Rural Electrification Agency's (REA) Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP) – Desert to Power Phase II Project. The assessment is a statutory requirement to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of the renewable energy project before installation begins.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Aba Uba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Godwin Friday Okibe, described the proposed solar power project as a strategic intervention that would accelerate the University's relocation to its permanent campus.

He said construction work at the site was progressing steadily, with key infrastructure projects, including the female hostel and the Central Administration Building, either completed or nearing completion. However, he identified the lack of a reliable electricity supply as one of the institution's major challenges.

Prof. Okibe expressed confidence that the proposed solar power plant would provide sustainable electricity to support teaching, learning, research, healthcare delivery, and administrative operations. He also urged the visiting officials and consultants to conduct a thorough assessment to facilitate the timely approval of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Public Safety Officer Mr. Ogbidi Matthew Tabi said the visit was to verify that the project's Terms of Reference accurately reflected conditions at the proposed site.

He explained that soil, water, and air samples would be collected to establish baseline environmental data, with findings from field investigations and laboratory analyses to be submitted to the ministry as part of the project's approval process.

Also speaking, the Environmental Impact Assessment Desk Officer at the Benue State Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Mrs. Mbakighir Hembadoon Deborah, said the state's role was to ensure the project complied with all environmental regulations and safeguards.

She noted that the assessment would include analyses of soil, water, and air quality, documentation of existing vegetation and biodiversity, and an evaluation of the project's socio-economic impact on neighbouring communities. According to her, the exercise would help protect vulnerable species, uphold environmental standards, and ensure host communities benefit from corporate social responsibility initiatives associated with the project.

The Controller of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Makurdi Office, Mr. Ngbede Bayo Anthony, said the federal team was on ground to assess existing conditions and provide the necessary feedback to support the project's approval.

"Our responsibility is to assess what is on ground, provide the necessary feedback to the ministry, and facilitate the approval process required for the project to proceed," he said.

Providing technical details, Engr. Dr. Nurudeen Ahmed of Bolben Energy and Environmental Services Limited, the consulting firm handling the ESIA, said the assessment involved comprehensive environmental investigations, including soil sampling, surface and groundwater analyses, air quality monitoring, and socio-economic studies to determine the suitability of the site.

He added that the University's expansive land area provides sufficient space for the installation of the solar facility, with room for future expansion.

The proposed 2MW solar power plant is expected to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to FUHSO's permanent campus, supporting the University's relocation agenda while delivering socio-economic benefits to the host community. The successful completion of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment will mark a key regulatory milestone toward the implementation of the project.

Also present during the exercise were the University's Registrar, Mr. Michael Okoko Ogiji; Director of Physical Planning, Arc. Jonah Akogwu; Chief Security Officer, Mr. Michael Anebi; members of the media team; and other officials.