By Aishat Aliu

In a decisive move to promote clean energy adoption and reduce operational costs in public institutions, the Federal Government has commenced the installation of a 500-kilowatt solar power system at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry, Lagos.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Service Matters, Dr Sani Bala, disclosed this on Thursday during an oversight visit to the college.

According to him, the Ministry of Power recently deployed contractors to begin the installation, which is expected to provide a steady and sustainable power supply for the institution and drastically reduce its reliance on diesel-powered generators.

“We have been pursuing this project since the last assembly to improve electricity supply at the college,” Bala said.

He explained that ASCON currently depends on two 2,000kVA generators, whose maintenance costs have become unsustainable due to high diesel prices. The solar initiative, he said, would significantly cut running costs and enhance productivity at the institution.

Bala commended ASCON’s Director-General, Dr Funke Adepoju, for what he described as “visible progress” in the management of the college’s resources, particularly in boosting internally generated revenue.

“We are pleased that since Dr Adepoju assumed leadership six months ago, the institution has continued to make progress. She is a visionary leader, committed to maintaining ASCON’s infrastructure and driving institutional development,” he noted.

He also urged directors and senior staff to lend their experience and institutional knowledge to support the Director-General in achieving ASCON’s reform goals.

Responding, Dr Adepoju said the oversight visit reflected the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening public institutions, adding that it provided an opportunity to share progress, challenges, and future plans.

“This visit represents a valued partnership and an opportunity to reflect on our journey of reform and institutional renewal,” she said.

The Director-General described ASCON as Nigeria’s foremost Management Development Institute, mandated to build a competent and ethical public service through training, research, and consultancy.

Highlighting some of her administration’s achievements, Adepoju listed the rehabilitation of key facilities including the Reception Area, chalets, and hostels, alongside the solarisation of the CBN Auditorium and Hotel and Restaurant Block.

She added that the college’s Health Centre now operates round-the-clock, powered by solar energy to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

Adepoju appealed for continued legislative and executive support to sustain ASCON’s infrastructure renewal, digital transformation, and staff development initiatives.

“Our goal is to reposition ASCON as a National Reform Accelerator and School of Government that empowers Nigeria’s public officers to deliver excellence,” she affirmed.