๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฐ๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ ๐๐๐๐
…๐จ๐ ๐ฝ๐ช ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐
A Chinese power generation company, China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited, has expressed its readiness to partner with the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, on the development of a renewable energy system for the university.
A delegation of the company, led by Mr. Fang Yijie (ๆนไนๆฐ), disclosed this on Friday during an impromptu courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of FUTES, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, in his office. Also present at the meeting was the University Librarian, Prof. Isaac Oluwadare.
The visit comes on the heels of an earlier approved Federal Government Rural Electrification Project, which is at an advanced stage of supplying and installing solar power infrastructure to provide stable electricity for the university’s take-off site.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chinese delegation explained that their interest in FUTES was driven by the university’s clear technological focus and its alignment with global conversations around clean and sustainable energy.
They added that the initiative forms part of the company’s broader goal of contributing to renewable energy development in West Africa.
The company, which has established operational footprints in Ethiopia and Algeria, noted that although it is relatively new to Nigeria, it deliberately considered FUTES as a strategic entry point due to the institution’s science-driven mandate and forward-looking vision.
The delegation also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for granting them audience despite the short notice, explaining that while they were originally in Nigeria on a different official assignment, they decided to seize the opportunity to explore potential partnerships with emerging technology-oriented institutions.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, thanked the delegation for their interest in FUTES, describing it as a strong indication of the university’s growing visibility and appeal as a technology-driven institution.
“One of the advantages of building a university around technology and environmental sciences is that it naturally attracts innovation, investment, and partnerships. Your interest in FUTES speaks to the vision we are deliberately pursuing here,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Prof. Aribisala also informed the delegation of the Federal Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) ongoing intervention, noting that the Agency is on the verge of supplying and installing solar power facilities to support academic and administrative activities at the university.
While appreciating the Federal Government’s timely support through the REA, the Vice-Chancellor described the Chinese firm’s interest as a complementary and forward-thinking initiative capable of strengthening the university’s long-term energy sustainability.
“We are grateful for the Federal Rural Electrification Agency’s intervention, which is critical to our immediate energy needs. However, interests such as yours present an opportunity to think beyond stop-gap solutions and explore scalable, long-term renewable energy systems that align with our academic and research goals,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the company to formally submit a detailed proposal outlining the scope, technical framework, and sustainability plan of the project, assuring them that the university management would give it due consideration.
“If you are able to present a clear and workable proposal, we will be glad to engage further. Our priority is to build partnerships that add real value to teaching, research, and innovation, while also supporting environmental sustainability,” Prof. Aribisala stated.