The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Peter O. Okafor, has stated that the availability of constant and sustainable power is the lifeline of research in academia.
Prof. Peter Okafor stated this while fielding in questions during an interview with Officials of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in his office.
Speaking on the readiness of the University to ensure the sustainability of the REA/World Bank Solar Farm Project cited in the institution, the Ag. Vice Chancellor said the University Management will do everything within its power to protect and ensure the functionality and sustainability of the project for a very long time.
Drawing from his experiences in other climes, Prof. Okafor muted the idea of Management metering the offices, laboratories, staff quarters and students hostels as a way of generating part of the needed funds to maintain the project.
Hear him; “In China, where I went to do some research, every student’s room has a meter, every month the University gives out a certain amount of credit, the moment you exhaust that credit, you go and buy.
By doing so, funds will be raised which will in-turn be used to maintain the equipment and make sure it last as long as it is build to last.”
On the role of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in facilitating the provision of an alternative source of sustainable and constant power, Prof. Okafor said the REA have done so well.
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“You have come to change our lives as an Institution, as Researchers, as Students, and members of the University community will benefit from what we have here.
“We are looking forward to the commissioning. We will not only celebrate what you are building here, but also celebrate you for doing a great job”, he added.
It is worthy to note that Prof. Peter Okafor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration was acting in the stead of the substantive Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi.