From Kenneth Udeh
Stakeholders drawn from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University community Awka in Anambra state have extolled the efforts deployed by the senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Uche Ekwunife, which resulted in the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern Solar Cosmic Laboratory sited in the university.
The academic community led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof Frederick Odibo who represented the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Charles Esimone gave the commendation on Tuesday during a construction inspection tour of the facility by a delegation led by Senator Ekwunife who was also represented by her Legislative Aide, Hon Ifeyinwa Chinwuko.
The project forms part of the numerous infrastructure works and interventions expedited by Ekwunife within her tenure at the Senate in the 9th Assembly.
Prof Charles, in his remark, appreciated Senator Ekwunife for attracting the laboratory to the university. According to him, the project will be of great service to the institution, particularly with respect to research in the fields of Physics and Engineering.
Prof Odibo on behalf of the Vice Chancellor conveyed a message of goodwill on behalf of the Academic community to the federal lawmaker appreciating her for her good works in the university and beyond.
Ekwunife in an address through her representative said she expedited the project to enhance research and development in cosmic radiation in the SouthEast region.
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Ekwunife maintained with the eventual competition of the project there will be improved research and development of Solar powered products in the SouthEast region and the nation at large.
The 2023 Senatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party added that occasioned by the poor state of power supply in the country with the development of Solar power, the over-dependence on hydropower and fuel generating plants for electricity will be reduced.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, stated: “As Nigeria continues to experience challenges in the power sector and environmental pollution as a result of emissions of generating plants, Solar power will improve access to clean, affordable energy for poor communities.
“When this laboratory is completed and equipped it is believed that the production of Solar powered products and power generation plants will be manufactured to accelerate the shift to solar-based energy in order to assist to diversify Nigeria’s energy portfolio and reduce high electricity bills. This could also stop the reliance on fossil fuels which come with associated challenges like pollution through flaring and spillage.
In a previous remark the student community through their Student Union Government, President, Comrade Charles Ijeoma described the project as exceptional, applauding Ekwunife for bringing the laboratory to the institution.
He said the students will be the major beneficiaries of the projects while appreciating Senator Ekwunife on behalf of the university students.
Others who were present include a member of the governing council of the university, Prof Meschach Umenweke; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Joseph Ikechebelu; Director of Physical Planning Board, Engr Ralph Okeke, Vice Chairman Association of Accountants Anambra State Branch, Prof Pius Okoye, State Coordinator Federation of PDP Students Anambra State Chapter, Chris Onwa Maju, amongst others.