The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede has said the institution has got Marketing License to distribute electricity to communities around the institution.
While briefing journalists during a press conference to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the institution, Ogunbodede revealed that the 8.03MW Rural Electrification Agency (REA) power project for the supply of electricity to the University is ongoing and would soon be completed.
He said: “The University has processed and obtained from the Transmission Corporation of Nigeria the Marketing License as electricity distributor, the first Nigerian University to enjoy the privilege. This will enable OAU to generate its own electricity.
“The aim is to reduce the economic burden of high tariff and ensure regular electricity supply to enhance its various academic activities.
“The University presently pays over N80m per month for electricity and additionally over N2million per month on Diesel to power generators.”
While talking about the achievements of the institution, Ogunbodede said the University has made remarkable advances in research, which has brought about national and global significant success stories.
He said: “The University has achieved rapid growth and development, particularly in the areas of academic programmes, research, infrastructural and human resources development.
“The University has produced, among its staff, a Nobel Laureate and six Nigerian National Merit Award Winners.”
While thanking the University Alumni and friends for their support in executing various projects and programmes in the institution, he requested for more intervention and support in the face of insufficient and dwindling resources from the Federal Government.
