ABUAD Engineering Students Develop 5kVA Hybrid Solar Power System

Twelve final-year engineering students at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), designed and donated a 5kVA hybrid solar power system to their college using locally sourced materials, earning high praise from university leadership and marking the first phase of a broader renewable energy initiative.

A group of 12 final-year students from the College of Engineering at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) have successfully designed, built, and donated a 5kVA solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid power system to the university to support critical academic infrastructure.

Under the guidance of Prof. B.A. Adaramola, the initiative served as part of the students’ final-year project and was aimed at providing reliable backup power to the College of Engineering. According to a statement from Mr. Tunde Olofintila, Director of Corporate Affairs, the students involved in the project come from various engineering disciplines:

• Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Wodi Joseph Chiburoma, Ekechukwu Ikechukwu Anthony, Ndubusi Chidera Henry
• Computer Engineering: Uviejitobor Afure Daniel
• Mechanical Engineering: Igbalaye Abdulqudus, Suobere Solomon
• Mechatronics Engineering: Stephen George Elakemefa, Princewill Jeremiah, Peter Umezinwa Izuchukwu
• Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering: Oriola Demilade Mobolaji, Nkumah Amarachi Ezinne
• Biomedical Engineering: Oramah Chidubem Pascal

Utilizing locally sourced materials, the team integrated their technical expertise to complement the university’s Independent Power Plant (IPP). The solar system now provides backup electricity to the A and E Wings of the College of Engineering, covering departments such as Mechanical, Mechatronics, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering.

What’s Next?

A second phase of the project is already underway. This will involve the installation of a 7.5kVA solar system to power the C, D, and F Wings, including the Civil, Chemical & Petroleum, Electrical/Electronics, and Computer Engineering departments, according to Olofintila.

Reactions from University Leadership

Aare Afe Babalola, founder of ABUAD, praised the students’ efforts and encouraged them with a heartfelt blessing:

“You shall excel in all your endeavours. You shall have greater luck than I have.”

Prof. Moses Olufemi Onibonoje, Provost of the College of Engineering, highlighted the importance of the project in showcasing the strength of ABUAD’s research clusters in areas like Energy Systems, Food Security, Smart Systems, Waste Management, and Smart Materials. He added:

“This five kVA Solar PV System is a testament to the students’ capabilities and a practical application of their academic training.”

Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, commended the students and faculty for what she described as a “milestone achievement” and a source of pride for the university and its visionary founder.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GUARDIAN