FUHSO Records Major Milestone as Environmental Assessment Begins for Proposed 2MW Solar Plant

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has recorded another major milestone in its drive to relocate to its permanent site under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Aba Uba, 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 exercise, conducted on July 18, 2026, at the university's permanent site, forms part of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA)'s Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), Desert to Power Phase II Project. The ESIA is a statutory requirement aimed at evaluating the potential environmental and social impacts of the renewable energy project before installation begins.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Godwin Friday Okibe, described the proposed solar power project as a strategic intervention that would significantly accelerate the university's relocation to its permanent campus.

He noted that construction work at the permanent site was progressing steadily, with several critical infrastructure projects, including the female hostel and the Central Administration Building, either completed or nearing completion. However, he identified the absence of a reliable electricity supply as one of the institution's greatest challenges.

Prof. Okibe expressed optimism that the proposed solar plant would provide sustainable electricity to support teaching, learning, research, healthcare delivery, and administrative activities. He appealed to the visiting officials and consultants to carry out a thorough and objective assessment to facilitate timely approval of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, the Public Safety Officer, Mr. Ogbidi Matthew Tabi, explained that the visit was intended to verify that the project's Terms of Reference accurately reflected the conditions at the proposed site. He disclosed that soil, water, and air samples would be collected to establish baseline environmental data, while the findings from both field investigations and laboratory analyses would be submitted to the ministry as part of the approval process.

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

According to her, the assessment would include analyses of soil, water, and air quality, documentation of existing vegetation and biodiversity, as well as an evaluation of the project's socio-economic impact on neighbouring communities. She noted that the process would help protect vulnerable species, maintain environmental standards, and ensure that 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 site to assess prevailing conditions and provide the necessary feedback to facilitate 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 insight into the assessment, Engr. Dr. Nurudeen Ahmed of Bolben Energy and Environmental Services Limited, the consulting firm handling the ESIA, explained that the exercise 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 adequate provision for future expansion.

The proposed 2MW solar power plant is expected to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to FUHSO's permanent campus, thereby supporting the university's relocation agenda while also delivering socio-economic benefits to the host community. The successful completion of the ESIA represents a significant regulatory milestone towards the implementation of the project.

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