By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

To further boost sustainable water supply and energy efficiency on campus, LG Electronics has donated first-ever solar-powered borehole to the University of Benin, UNIBEN.

According to a statement from the firm, the official commissioning of the project took place on Thursday, 23rd Jan. 2025, with university officials, LG representatives, student leaders, and hostel residents in attendance.

The borehole, powered entirely by solar energy, is expected to provide clean and uninterrupted water to thousands of students and staff, reducing the university’s reliance on the national grid and cutting down utility costs.

Speaking at the commissioning, Corporate Marketing Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria, Mr. Paul Mba, emphasized the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in Nigeria.

He said: “At LG Electronics, we believe in using technology to improve lives. This solar-powered borehole is not just about providing water; it’s about creating a sustainable future where renewable energy plays a key role in meeting basic needs. We are proud to support UNIBEN in this initiative.

“This is the first university we are donating a solar-powered borehole to in Nigeria, and I hope it will be maintained so that incoming students will enjoy the facility. This initiative aims to provide sustainable water access for the entire campus community, fostering a healthier and more productive environment. By ensuring proper maintenance, we can set a precedent for future projects that prioritize sustainability and support the growth of educational institutions across the region”, Mba said.

Also speaking, Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its significance in addressing the campus’s water supply challenges. Omoregie who was represented by the Chairman, Security Services, Prof. Fred Ekhaise, said: “This project is a game-changer for our university community. Access to clean water is essential for both academic and residential life, and having a solar-powered solution ensures reliability while promoting environmental responsibility. We deeply appreciate LG Electronics for this generous contribution.

“Like Oliver Twist wanting more, I urge LG to extend its support to other hostels by providing solar-powered boreholes to address the pressing water challenges faced by students. Reliable access to clean water is essential for their health, hygiene, and overall well-being, yet many hostels struggle with inconsistent supply.

“By investing in solar-powered boreholes, LG can offer a sustainable solution that ensures uninterrupted access to safe water while also promoting environmental responsibility. This initiative will not only improve students’ living conditions but also enhance their academic experience by eliminating one of the many challenges they face daily.

In his remark, Student Union Government President, Agboola Timilehin, said water shortage had been a persistent challenge on campus.

“We often struggle with water supply, especially during peak hours. This borehole will make a huge difference, and the fact that it runs on solar energy means we won’t have to worry about power outages affecting water availability,” Timilehin said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Clement Ighodaro, thanked the management of LG Electronics for this great gesture and appealed to the students to appreciate the opportunities provided to them.

He encouraged everyone to take full advantage of the resources available, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving their academic and personal goals.

He encouraged the firm to continue their support in the future; as such partnerships significantly enhance the learning environment.

However, LG Electronics has a long-standing tradition of supporting communities through various sustainability-driven projects. This latest initiative reinforces its position as a responsible corporate citizen committed to advancing both technological innovation and environmental conservation.

With this donation, the UNIBEN joins the growing list of institutions leveraging renewable energy to meet essential needs, setting a precedent for future green projects in Nigeria’s education sector.