Jubilation as TETFund Commences Installation of 1.7MWh Mini-Grid Solar Power Project at Federal Polytechnic, Oko

There was excitement at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, on Friday, July 10, 2026, as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) officially commenced the implementation of a 1.7MWh Mini-Grid Solar Power Project at the institution.

The TETFund delegation, led by the Director of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Engr. Joseph Odo, announced the commencement of the project during the official site handover ceremony. He introduced Trade and Tech International Limited as the contractor responsible for executing the project, while the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, formally handed over the project site to the contractors for immediate commencement of work.

The project, which is expected to be completed within six months, is designed to provide renewable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy for critical academic and administrative operations within the institution. Upon completion, it is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce energy costs, and improve power reliability across key facilities.

Speaking during the ceremony, Engr. Odo commended the remarkable developmental strides of the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, and disclosed that Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has been officially designated as one of the beneficiary institutions under the TETFund Mini-Grid Solar Power Initiative, a flagship intervention of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at strengthening energy reliability in Nigeria's tertiary institutions.

According to him, the solar mini-grid is not intended to replace the institution's entire power supply but to guarantee uninterrupted electricity for critical facilities such as administrative offices, ICT centres, laboratories, and other essential services. He added that the project will improve energy reliability, reduce operational costs, and promote greater energy independence for the institution.

Also speaking, the Team Leader of Trade and Tech International Limited, Engr. Mohammed Jibril, expressed appreciation to TETFund for the confidence reposed in the company and assured the Polytechnic Management that the project would be executed strictly in accordance with the approved Bill of Quantities and specifications, while meeting the stipulated delivery timeline.

In her remarks, the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for their unwavering commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing teaching and learning in Nigeria's tertiary institutions through strategic interventions.

Dr. Awuzie assured the TETFund team and the contractors of the institution's full cooperation throughout the execution of the project, emphasizing that the Polytechnic would provide every necessary support to ensure its successful and timely completion.

The site handover ceremony was attended by members of the Polytechnic Management, principal officers of the institution, officials of TETFund, and representatives of the contracting firm.