By Mustafa Abubakar
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has assured the management of the University of Ilorin of its commitment to the speedy completion of the ongoing National Centre for Hydropower Research and Development (NACHRED) Office Complex on the University campus.
This assurance was given last Wednesday (June 25, 2025) by the Commission’s Director of Legal Services, Mr A. Y. Elama, who represented the Director-General of ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, during a working visit to assess the progress of the project in order to ensure its timely delivery.
While expressing satisfaction with the current stage of the project, the Director-General appreciated the University for its cooperation so far.
He noted that the visit became necessary following the recent damage to the temporary site that was caused by rainstorm and the need to ensure the swift completion of the permanent structure.
“We are here to assess the progress of work and to reaffirm that funds have been released to complete the building. This visit is also an assurance that the project will not be abandoned. We are committed to finishing it as scheduled”, Dr Abdullahi said.
Speaking in his personal capacity, Mr Elama, a 1991 alumnus of the University of Ilorin, said that he was pleased to return to his alma mater and commended the durability of old structures still standing.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing building project, once completed, would serve the University for generations to come.
In his response, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, appreciated the ECN’s delegation for the visit.
“When the temporary structure was affected by the storm, the entire University management quickly responded with the assessment of the level of the damage. We did what we could but this visit and the commitment from ECN has brought relief and hope”, he said.
Prof. Egbewole further stated that the University remains ever ready to collaborate with ECN to ensure the project is delivered as planned.
Also speaking, the Director of NACHRED, University of Ilorin, Prof. Abiodun Omodele Eletta, explained that the Centre plays a strategic role in championing hydropower research, and community-driven innovations within the University and the region.
She said that “NACHRED is directly involved in ensuring that this facility becomes a hub for hydropower research and solutions. It will serve both academic and training purposes, advancing the University’s role in national development and sustainable energy”.
In his remarks, the contractor handling the project, Mr Okozi Richard, who is the CEO, ROKOZI Investment Limited, assured the University that the remaining work estimated at about 15 percent would be completed swiftly.
He said that the earlier challenges had been resolved and that with the recent release of funds, full mobilisation to the site was already underway.
Also in his remarks, the Director of Works, Engr Ramoni Kolawole Amoo, described the project as “a critical infrastructure that aligns with the University’s developmental vision,” affirming that his Department is fully monitoring the execution to ensure quality delivery.
On his part, the Director of Physical Planning Unit (PPU), Mr Abdulrahman Toyin Jimoh, reiterated the commitment of the University to seeing the project through, stating that it will serve the academic and societal community at large.
In attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the University Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; and the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa.
Also present were some officials of the ECN, NACHRED and Associates; Dr Abaka Jafar, Mr J. A. Akanbiemu , Dr O. Olugbemi, Dr Balogun A., Jimoh T., Nicholas Ocheme, Mr Sidiq Lateef, and Engr M. S. Aliyu.
