By Suzzan John
Ahmadu Bello University’s Faculty of Engineering has unveiled the ABU Energy Innovation Challenge (ABUEIC), a pioneering initiative designed to harness homegrown talent in solving the institution’s persistent energy problems.
Launched on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the ACENPEE Smart Classroom, the project aims to reduce the university’s heavy reliance on diesel, cut soaring electricity costs, and integrate renewable energy solutions across campus through ideas submitted by students, staff, and alumni.
In his welcome address, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. J.M. Kaura, emphasized that ABU is “a home of innovation” and described the challenge as an effort to “utilise the vast university resources to proffer solutions to the ABU energy challenge.” He noted that the exorbitant electricity bills paid by the university motivated the faculty to seek local, innovative answers.
Dr. A.S. Abdulrasheed, Chairman of ABUEIC, recounted the project’s origins, tracing it back to 2018 when he led the revival of the historic Kainji Dam Model within the faculty—a effort that later secured a TETFUND grant. He explained that the idea took root when he was nominated to a committee tasked with demolishing the same model.
“Reconnecting ABU and Kainji would signify a lot to the university,” Dr. Abdulrasheed stated, referencing ABU’s deep ties to the Kainji Dam through campus landmarks like Kainji Theatre and Kainji Lake.
Citing stark energy realities, he noted that “over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity” and that “Africa’s share of global energy is less than three per cent.” He also expressed concern over national grid instability and frequent power disconnections at ABU as driving forces behind the initiative.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Sahalu B. Junaidu, pledged full support from students, staff, alumni, and friends of the university, recalling once being challenged by an Army General to design a solution to ABU’s energy crisis.
Goodwill messages came from former Dean of Engineering Prof. I.A. Dabo and the Dean of Life Sciences, Prof. Maryam Aminu, who thanked the Vice-Chancellor for backing Dr. Abdulrasheed’s vision.
Prof. Auwal Haruna, Director of the CBN Centre for Economics and Finance, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing optimism that the project would soon become a reality and serve as a model for sustainable energy solutions within Nigerian universities.