By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Biochemistry Alumni Association (Class 2000) of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State has executed and commissioned a 10 KVA Solar Inverter Power Project for Biochemistry Department of the university to address electricity challenges of the department.

The project was commissioned by the vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie at a ceremony which was tagged ” Lighting the Path for Future Scholars “.

The vice chancellor lauded the alumni members for considering it necessary to give back to their alma matter, describing it as memorable.

She stated that the gesture was a direct support to the university administration in its avowed commitment to transforming the fortunes of the institution, and urged other alumni to emulate the Class 2000 of Biochemistry Department as government alone could not shoulder the burden of developing of AAU.

The president of the group, Mr. Omofonmwam Isaac on his part said the donation of the project to the department was part of the association’s commitment to improving learning and research for both staff and students of the department.

Mr. Omofonmwan who is the pioneer president of the alumni association said the “gesture was similarly meant to motivate other sets, to contribute their quota to department and the university in general.”

The publicity Secretary of the Biochemistry Alumni Association, Mr. Glory Okoduwa who was the chairperson of the commissioning committee, stated that the power project was a response to one of the critical needs of the department, which is stable electricity.

He revealed that the initial proposal of the association was laboratory equipment upgrade, but later decided on establishing a clean sustainable and reliable solar energy, after consultants revealed that power instability was the key challenge to effective teaching and learning in the department.

The acting Head of Biochemistry Department, Dr. Israel Ebhohimen in his speech described the donation as a remarkable gesture, due to the importance of steady supply to the smooth running of laboratories and the use of audiovisual system for teaching.

“Power outages in the past disrupted practical classes, delayed experiments in some cases and completely ruined research work at other times. The alternative was fuelling and maintaining power generators. This was capital intensive and not a green energy approach.

“However, with this solar power installation, the story has changed. The impact was felt immediately because the installations coincided with the current 400 Level project work. For the first time in recent years, our students conducted their research without interruptions due to power failure “, he emphasized.

The Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Hanson Iyawe appreciated the alumni association members, pointing out that the gesture would enhance research and learning activities.