Germany To Build 5MW Solar Power Plant In UNICAL

UNICAL VC, Prof. Zana Akpagu (L) With German Ambassador to Nigeria (R) Dr.Barnhard Schlagheck

By Adm

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has pledged to build a 5 Megawatts solar power plant in the University of Calabar, (UNICAL) Calabar.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Barnhard Schlagheck disclosed this on Monday in Calabar during a courtesy call on the university Vice Chancellor, Prof. Zana Akpagu.

Schlagheck noted that the German government has concentrated more in supporting institutions in the Western part of the country hence the need to spread to other parts of the country.

According to the ambassador, "Germany will build alternative energy source for the university. There have been too much concentration in the Western part of Nigeria; currently, there's a 10MW solar energy plant built by our government in University of Ibadan. So we want to spread our projects to reach other parts of the country".

While commending the Nigerian government for leading other African countries to resolve the political ciris in Gambia, he pledged the support of his country in the fight against Boko Haram.

"Nigeria has done well in providing purposeful leadership for West Africa especially in resolving the Zambia crisis. Our government will collaborate with the Nigeria government to end the Boko Haram insurgency in the north Eastern part of the country", he added.

Earlier the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akpagu commended the German government for the support adding that the 5MW solar power station will address the energy need of the institution.

He lamented that of the N1.2 billion annually generated revenue of the institution, more than half is expended on energy.

The VC explained that they spend about N40 million in Diesel alone and another N18 million in servicing light bills  monthly but power has remained a major challenge to the university.

He appealed to the German government to " support us in providing equipments for the new faculty of Engineering workshops.

We also want Germany to assist us in strengthening our German language program in the department of  Modern Languages. It has not been viable for some time  because we don't have regular German teachers to teach in the department".