UNIZIK VC Commissions ₦3.1M Solar Power Project in Electronic and Computer Engineering Dept

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has officially commissioned a ₦3.1 million solar-powered inverter system at the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering.

The project, which was facilitated through the efforts of the Head of Department (HOD), Dr. Theophilus Alumona, includes a 7.5KVA inverter, four high-capacity tubular batteries, and eight units of 650W solar panels.

During the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Professor Anyaehie lauded Dr. Alumona for his proactive leadership in attracting private-sector support to solve critical infrastructure needs.

“This project is a step in the right direction in tackling the power challenges of the Department and the Faculty of Engineering at large,” the Vice-Chancellor stated. He urged other Heads of Departments across UNIZIK to emulate this model of resource mobilization to enhance the university's research and teaching environment.

The timing of the project is strategic, as the department prepares for the National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation scheduled for November 2026. The Departmental Staff Adviser, Professor Kenneth Akpado, highlighted that stable power is essential for the success of the four newly established programmes:

Electronics Engineering

Computer Engineering

Telecommunications Engineering

Information and Communication Engineering (ICE)

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Ugochukwu Okonkwo, and former Dean Professor Victor Idigo, both reaffirmed the faculty's commitment to self-sustaining innovation. Dr. Alumona, while thanking the Vice-Chancellor, pledged to continue driving the department’s visibility and academic excellence.

The event concluded with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, marking a new era of renewable energy use for the university’s engineering hub.