The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), has disclosed that office buildings and lecture halls in the University will soon be fixed with solar-panel roofs.

Prof. Ambali disclosed this penultimate Friday (February 5, 2016) while receiving the Managing Director of Emel Advanced Power Solutions Limited, Mr. Roy Chatterjee, in his office.

The industrialist was in the University to deliver 50 pieces of solar lantern promised the University recently by Mr. Laresh, the Managing Director of Emel Construction Company, during a visit by the Vice-Chancellor to the Ooni of Ife. The Vice-Chancellor explained that the Unilorin Renewable Energy Centre was established to seek alternative power supply such as solar energy to guarantee uninterrupted power supply for research, teaching and community service.

He disclosed that the University was keen on collaborating with the company on solar research, thanking the company for donating 50 pieces of Solar Home Work Light, which he said would go a long way to advance knowledge among the students. Pointing out that stable electricity supply is still a challenge for students living outside the campus, Prof. Ambali disclosed that he had assembled a team of experts across different fields and units in the University to interact with the company to show the University's commitment to the exploration of the alternative energy option.

In his remarks, Mr. Chatterjee noted that "the company is a leading manufacturer of solar products and a global brand that is proud to be changing the peoples' lives through innovative products."

He submitted that the Company is working on innovative products to give light to everyone that needs it, disclosing that the company has been working in Nigeria for three years, with distribution centres in 21 states.

Mr. Chatterjee, thereafter, presented 50 Solar Home Work light to the Vice-Chancellor for onward distribution to the students. He was accompanied by the Company's Head, Retail Channel Development, Mr. Obafemi Ayobami.

Among the top University officials that joined the Vice-Chancellor to receive the industrialist were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. (Mrs.) N. Y. S. Ijaiya; the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Dada Obafemi; the University Librarian, Dr. Joseph Omoniyi; and the Deputy Bursar, Mr. I. O. Ogunbiyi.

Also present were the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. A. E. Talabi; the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. I. A. Adimula; the Director, Unilorin Renewable Energy Centre, Prof. C. O. Akoshile; the Director, Consultancy Services Centre, Prof. Olugbenga Mokuolu; the Director, Advancement Centre, Dr. Jeleel Ojuade; the Director, Physical Planning Unit, Engr. Ademola Adesiyun; the Director of Works, Engr. Mobolaji Sanni; and the Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun.