Twelve final-year students from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), have demonstrated the power of innovation and hands-on learning by constructing and donating a five kVA hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) system to their university. The project, aimed at supplementing the institution’s power supply, has been described as a milestone achievement in student-led innovation within Nigerian higher education.
Under the guidance of Professor B.A. Adaramola from the College of Engineering, the student team embarked on the design and construction of the hybrid solar project as part of their capstone project. Their effort directly addresses the energy needs of the College of Engineering, providing a reliable backup power source for key departments affected by intermittent electricity supply.
The system, fully assembled using locally sourced materials, now powers the A and E Wings of the Engineering College. These areas house the Departments of Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering and Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering. The initiative reflects ABUAD’s emphasis on applied knowledge, problem-solving, and the practical application of engineering principles.
According to Mr. Tunde Olofintila, the university’s Director of Corporate Affairs, the students responsible for the project come from various engineering disciplines, showcasing an interdisciplinary approach. Contributors include Wodi Joseph Chiburoma, Ekechukwu Ikechukwu Anthony, and Ndubusi Chidera Henry from Electrical and Electronics Engineering, alongside students from Computer, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Aeronautical, and Biomedical Engineering departments.
The solar system was designed not just to supply clean energy but to serve as a practical demonstration of sustainable engineering solutions. This aligns with global calls for renewable energy adoption and Nigeria’s need to tackle persistent power supply challenges in academic and industrial sectors.
The project has also set the stage for further development. A second phase of the initiative, which will produce a 7.5 kVA solar system, is already in the pipeline. This expanded system will power the remaining wings of the College of Engineering, including Civil, Chemical & Petroleum, Electrical & Electronics, and Computer Engineering departments.
ABUAD’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola (OFR, CON, SAN), commended the students and their supervising lecturers for their innovation and dedication. Speaking during a campus event, he prayed for the students’ future success, stating, “You shall excel in all your endeavours. You shall have greater luck than I have.” The statement was met with a heartfelt response from the gathered audience.
Professor Moses Olufemi Onibonoje, Provost of the College of Engineering, highlighted that the project reflects the vibrant Research Clusters within the College. These clusters focus on critical areas such as Energy Systems, Smart Systems, Food Security, Waste Management, and Smart Materials, fostering a spirit of innovation and real-world problem-solving among students.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, also praised the students and their teachers, describing the solar project as a “cheering development and a source of immense pride for the institution.” She stressed that ABUAD’s educational philosophy is not just about academic excellence but about producing graduates who can design practical solutions to societal problems.
The 5kVA solar PV system marks a significant step in ABUAD’s commitment to green energy solutions and capacity building in renewable energy technologies. The project also underscores the importance of integrating theory with practice in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
This achievement comes at a time when Nigeria’s public universities are grappling with dilapidated infrastructure and inconsistent power supply, often hindering research and learning. ABUAD’s solar initiative serves as a model for other institutions, encouraging students to engage directly in building solutions rather than waiting for government interventions.
By constructing this system, the students not only enhanced the university’s infrastructure but also developed critical skills in project management, teamwork, and technical design. These competencies are essential for engineering graduates in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The ABUAD solar project sends a strong message to Nigerian students nationwide: innovation starts within, and meaningful contributions to society are possible through collaboration, creativity, and commitment to learning.
