A Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU), between the Adekunle Ajasin University,Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) and DANTATA Solar Limited facilitated by the Ondo State Government has been signed with technical assistance provided by a German company.
The MOU tagged Project Development Cooperation Agreement for Solar Power between the AAUA and DANTATA, is part of the dividends of the Nigerian-German Energy Partnership in tandem with one of the critical projections of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration to lighten up towns and communities across the state through the provision of regular and uninterrupted electricity supply.
Speaking during the signing of the MOU, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, lauded the cooperation between Nigerian and German governments for which the Adekunle University, Akungba- Akoko, would begin to enjoy a new lease of life having existed for years without electricity supply from the national grid.
This development, according to Governor Akeredolu would make other institutions emulate the university at meeting its mandate of imparting knowledge and turning out quality graduates for the advancement of the country.
The governor however pleaded with the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany,Mr Ingo Herbert, who led the team, to help the State Government further, in its determination on similar gesture of providing power supply to communities in the riverine areas of the state.
Earlier, the Consular General Mr Ingo Herbert had said Ondo State popularly known as the Sunshine State should leverage on its solar potentials to generate adequate Solar Energy for the use of residents of the state.
The Consular General assured that the project would be completed within six months and would serve the university community for 25 years.
The Coordinator of the Nigerian-Germany Energy Partnership Dr Jeremy Gaines said the project would stop the use of diesel to power generators being used at the Adekunle Ajasin University,Akungba Akoko which had been proven to be environmentally unfriendly.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun who expressed gratitude to the State Government said by the time the project is delivered, the university would be saving the huge sums of money being spent on maintaining the generators servicing the university campus.
The Vice Chancellor said the development would ensure that the university laboratories, electronic and electrical facilities work optimally.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun signed the MOU on behalf of the State Government while the Project Manager of DANTANTA, Mr Oyeneye Babajide signed on behalf of the Solar Energy company.
The ceremony held at the Governor’ office in Akure was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon Agboola Ajayi; Secretary to the State Governor, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu; Honourable Commissioner for Information, Mr Yemi Olowolabi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale; Special Adviser on Development and Investment, Mr Boye Oyewunmi; Special Adviser on Education, Dr. Olawumi Ilawole.
Also in attendance were: Prof. Victor Olumekun; Annika Schmoeset and the Registrar of AAUA, Mr M.S Ayerun.