Breaking News !!!
SUMAS MOVES TOWARDS OFFGRID AS NATIONAL ENERGY COMMISSION OF
NIGERIA INSTALLS 1MW SOLAR POWER
April 24, 2026
The National Energy Commission of Nigeria has commenced the construction of a 1-Megawatt
(MW) solar power plant at the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno,
Enugu State, in a significant move aimed at promoting renewable energy adoption in tertiary
institutions across the country.
The project, currently underway at the university’s campus in Igbo-Eno, positions SUMAS as
one of the only eight institutions in the South-East region selected to benefit from the
Commission’s intervention. Notably, SUMAS stands out as the only state-owned university
among the beneficiaries, underscoring its growing reputation and strategic importance in the
region’s educational and technological landscape.
The solar plant initiative is part of the Commission’s broader commitment to supporting
sustainable energy solutions, reducing dependence on conventional power sources, and
enhancing research and learning environments in Nigerian universities. When completed, the
facility is expected to provide a reliable and eco-friendly source of electricity for both academic
and administrative operations.
Speaking on the development, the Vice Chancellor, Prof James Chukwuma Ogbonna, FAS
expressed appreciation to the National Energy Commission for the gesture, describing it as
timely and impactful. He noted that the project will not only improve power supply on campus
but also serve as a practical learning and research platform for students and staff, particularly in
energy-related fields.
The ongoing construction reflects steady progress, with engineers and technical teams already
mobilized to site, working to ensure timely completion in line with the project specifications.
Upon completion, the solar plant is expected to contribute meaningfully to the university’s
sustainability goals and reinforce its commitment to innovation and excellence.
This development marks another milestone for SUMAS as it continues to attract national
recognition and strategic partnerships aimed at advancing its academic and infrastructural
capacity.
It is important to note that SUMAS is one of the only two institutions in the South East to
benefit from the 2026 Special High Impact Project of the Federal Ministry of Education, through
the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, for the Faculties of Engineering. SUMAS will receive four
billion naira for upgrade of her Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. When
completed, SUMAS will arguably have one of the best faculties of Engineering in the South East
of Nigeria. The project is expected to take off soon.
