Twelve final-year students from the College of Engineering at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), have completed and donated a 5kVA solar photovoltaic (PV) power system to their university, setting a new benchmark for student-led innovation in Nigeria’s higher education space.
The project, supervised by Prof. B.A. Adaramola, was initiated as part of the students' final year capstone and aimed to support critical infrastructure within the College of Engineering.
As highlighted in a recent campus technology feature published by Educa.ng, the team designed and constructed the system using locally sourced components, ensuring cost-efficiency and sustainability. The solar system now serves as a backup energy source for the A and E wings of the College, which house departments such as Mechanical, Mechatronics, and Aeronautical Engineering.
The students behind the project hailed from various engineering disciplines, including Electrical & Electronics, Computer, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Aeronautical, and Biomedical Engineering. Their collaboration across departments demonstrated both interdisciplinary teamwork and innovation.
ABUAD’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Tunde Olofintila, confirmed that a second phase of the project—an upgraded 7.5kVA system—is already underway and will power additional departments including Civil, Petroleum, and Electrical Engineering.
Commending the students’ efforts, the university's Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, offered heartfelt prayers and blessings: “You shall excel in all your endeavours. You shall have greater luck than I have.” His words were met with resounding applause from the campus community.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, described the project as “a milestone achievement” and a shining example of the university’s commitment to applied learning and self-reliance.
