Ibrahim Suleiman
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has commissioned an upgraded Kainji hydropower plant training facility at its Faculty of Engineering to strengthen practical learning, research and innovation in engineering education.
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The facility was restored with support from Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, described the project as a milestone in the University’s efforts to promote quality, relevant and practical-oriented education.
He noted that the facility had played an important role in the history of the Faculty of Engineering and the University.
Professor Ahmed said the upgraded facility would serve as a training resource for students across several engineering disciplines, including Civil, Water Resources, Mechanical, Electrical and Computer Engineering.
According to him, the facility would bridge the gap between classroom instruction and practical engineering, while supporting research, innovation and the development of students’ problem-solving skills.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed the University’s commitment to creating employment opportunities for its graduates, including at Mainstream Energy Solutions, where possible.
He recalled the company’s previous interventions at the University, including support during its 45th Convocation earlier in the year, which featured the upgrading of a 1,000-seat auditorium and renovation of toilet facilities.
Professor Ahmed said the University expected its partnership with the private sector to be driven by sustained engagement, shared priorities and mutual benefits rather than occasional interventions.
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In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor J. Kaura, said the partnership with Mainstream Energy started as a student outreach initiative but had developed into a sustained collaboration.
He commended the company for supporting engineering education, research and innovation, while appreciating the Vice-Chancellor for his leadership.
Professor Kaura stressed the need to ensure that the upgraded facility remained functional and was not abandoned after its commissioning.
He said the Faculty planned to utilise it for practical teaching, postgraduate research, multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation in hydropower and renewable energy.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Mr Suraj Abdullahi, said the company’s support for ABU was influenced by the commitment demonstrated by the University’s leadership.
Mr Abdullahi explained that education was among the key focus areas of the Mainstream Foundation, alongside health, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
He disclosed that the company was willing to discuss an agreement that would enable ABU students to observe annual maintenance exercises and the installation of new generating units at its power stations.
According to him, the company would facilitate transportation, accommodation and feeding for participating students if the proposed arrangement is agreed upon.
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The Managing Director also disclosed that the company’s power generation had increased from about 600 megawatts at takeover to more than 2,000 megawatts, contributing over 25 per cent of electricity on the national grid.
The ceremony was attended by members of the University management, staff and students, as well as officials of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited.