FEDPOFFA Advances 15MW Solar Power Project, Targets Sustainable Energy and Revenue Generation

The Federal Polytechnic Offa has intensified efforts towards the development of a 15-megawatt (15MW) Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Project aimed at providing reliable, sustainable and cost-effective electricity for the Polytechnic and the wider Offa community.

The landmark initiative, being developed in collaboration with Ukald Consults Nigeria Limited, in strategic partnership with Gigawatt Global (USA), is structured under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) Power Purchase Agreement model.

The latest development followed a meeting of the Committee on the Implementation of the Roadmap for the Development of the 15MW Solar Power Purchase Project, held on Thursday, 27th August, 2026, at the ICE Board Room, Mini Campus of the Polytechnic.

The meeting brought together members of the Committee, technical partners and other relevant stakeholders to review progress, discuss technical and implementation requirements, and chart a clear pathway towards the actualisation of the project.

Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, the Deputy Rector (Administration), Dr. Salimonu Rasheed Ishaq, described the project as a potentially transformative initiative that would benefit not only the Polytechnic but also the host community.

Dr. Ishaq expressed confidence that the project would be a win-win venture for all stakeholders, noting that it aligns with the broader Federal Government’s drive towards achieving more sustainable and alternative energy solutions for tertiary institutions.

He appreciated the technical partners for their commitment to the project and assured them of the Polytechnic’s readiness to provide the necessary institutional support for its successful implementation. The Deputy Rector also welcomed the transition from virtual engagements to physical inspection of proposed project sites, urging the project team to deliver an initiative that would become a lasting landmark for the Polytechnic and the Offa community.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Engr. Dr. Kehinde Olufemi, represented by the Acting Director of Works and Services, Engr. Lateef O. Bello, commended the sustained collaboration between the Polytechnic and its technical partners. He stressed the importance of the meeting in establishing a clear and coordinated pathway towards the actualisation of the 15MW Solar PPA, urging all stakeholders to remain committed to agreed timelines, deliverables and technical requirements to ensure the successful and timely delivery of the project.

Earlier, the Head of Technical, Gigawatt Global, Abuja, Engr. Akinleye Olumide, presented an overview of the proposed solar and battery storage project, highlighting its technical framework, implementation strategy and key requirements. The presentation was followed by an interactive session during which members of the Committee sought clarifications on various technical, operational and implementation issues.

Responding to enquiries, the Centre Manager, Technical Incubation Centre, Engr. Abdulfatai Yusuf, FNSE, assured Management that the proposed installation would be executed at no direct cost to the Polytechnic, further underscoring the strategic value of the partnership.

The project, which received further impetus following the Letter of Intent issued by the Polytechnic and acknowledged by Ukald Consults Nigeria Limited, is expected to significantly transform the institution’s energy landscape. It is designed to reduce the Polytechnic’s dependence on diesel-powered generators, lower long-term energy costs and provide a more reliable electricity supply for academic, administrative, research and innovation activities.

Beyond meeting the Polytechnic’s electricity needs, the project is also envisaged as a strategic energy platform capable of supporting industrial development and creating opportunities for additional internally generated revenue through the commercialisation of surplus electricity to other off-takers, subject to applicable arrangements and regulatory requirements.

To facilitate the transition from concept to implementation, Management has constituted a multidisciplinary Committee with a mandate to work directly with the Ukald Consults/Gigawatt Global project team; facilitate access to suitable land for the solar facilities; undertake detailed energy audits and electricity demand assessments; assess existing electricity infrastructure; determine appropriate interconnection architecture; and examine the environmental, social, technical, commercial and financial feasibility of the project.

The Committee is also expected to examine the proposed financing structure, consider the legal and regulatory implications of commercialising surplus electricity, provide relevant institutional information to the project partners, and submit periodic progress reports to Management.

As part of the immediate actions required to sustain the project’s momentum, the project Team is expected to complete the energy audit questionnaires, provide relevant electricity bills and diesel consumption records, identify the proposed project site, assess existing electrical infrastructure, finalise the project design and capital expenditure framework, advance the PPA and international financing processes, and engage prospective off-takers for surplus electricity.

Following the meeting, Management and the visiting technical delegation embarked on an inspection tour of transformer sites across the Mini and Main Campuses, as well as the proposed project site at the Polytechnic’s landed property in Oke Amin. The team also visited the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Offa, to explore areas of collaboration towards the successful execution of the project. Speaking on behalf of IBEDC, the Technical Engineer, Engr. Wale Olaniyi Oluwole, advised the Polytechnic to forward a formal letter to the Regional Head to facilitate further engagement.

In his vote of thanks, the Head of Department, Renewable Energy Engineering, Engr. Nafiu Abubakar, appreciated Management, the visiting delegation and members of the Committee for their commitment and support towards the actualisation of the project.

Other staff present at the meeting included the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Stephen Babalola; Head, Information and Public Relations, Mr. Olayinka Iroye; Acting Director, Physical Planning, Tpl. Abdullahi I. Giwa; Head of Department, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engr. Dr. Fred Ehiagwina; Engr. Tech. Tope Ojo; Engr. Oluyomi Bambe; Engr. Saka Kehinde, a co-opted member; and Mr. Mohammed-Sanni A., Secretary of the Committee.

The Committee is Chaired by Engr. Dr. Kehinde Olufemi, Director, DAPFACORP, with Mr. J.A. Balogun, Engr. Lateef O. Bello, Tpl. Abdullahi I. Giwa, Mrs. Kalu Ndidi Joe, Lawyer E.A. Faremi, Engr. Frederick Ehiagwina, Engr. Abubakar S. Nafiu, Mr. Joseph B.T. Ojo and Engr. Miss A.O. Bambe as members, while Mr. Mohammed Sanni, School Administrative Officer, School of Industrial Engineering, serves as Secretary.

The 15MW Solar PPA Project represents another major step in the forward looking agenda of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, and the Management of The Federal Polytechnic Offa to address institutional challenges through innovation, strategic partnerships and sustainable development initiatives.

When realised, the project is expected to enhance power reliability, reduce energy expenditure and diesel dependence, support research and innovation, facilitate industrial development, and potentially unlock new revenue opportunities for the Polytechnic.

The initiative therefore represents more than an alternative electricity project; it is a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability, energy security and development of The Federal Polytechnic Offa and its host community. With purposeful leadership, strategic collaboration and a strong commitment to innovation, FEDPOFFA continues to position itself as a forward-looking institution responding creatively to contemporary challenges while laying the foundation for a more sustainable and economically resilient future.