By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
The Graduates of the Energising Education Programme (EEP), in collaboration with the World Bank Group, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and CEESOLAR, have completed the first stage of the Theoretical Phase of the Solar Hybrid Power-Plant Training programme Phase II for 20 female Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) interns of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde urged the Graduands to apply the acquired knowledge effectively, highlighting the significance of the training. Prof. Kehinde encouraged the graduates to maintain communication with their instructors as a demonstration of their continued interest in the programme.
According to him, he said that they could reach out whenever necessary.
The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, expressed gratitude to the organisers of the EEP, commending them for not only providing the University the privilege of benefiting from the electricity project but also for training the students in the field. He eagerly anticipated the handover of the 3MW Hybrid Solar project to FUNAAB.
Former Director of Works and Services, Engr. Omolola Banjo, congratulated the graduating students for their hard work, while appreciating the University for ensuring the successful conclusion of the programme. She commended REA and the partners for offering the University the opportunity to be involved in the project, foreseeing its benefits for the entire University community upon completion.
Engr. Banjo who represented the REA official, urged all the Graduands to take their training seriously, recognising it as a lifetime opportunity that may not present itself again. “As female professionals in engineering”, she encouraged them to make the most of this opportunity and excel in their field.
Besides, the Gender-Based Violence Specialist, Faridat Makanjuola, and the Programme Instructor, Engr. Yewande Alli congratulated the participants for their success. They both emphasised the importance of maintaining the positive behaviour exhibited during the training in their future endeavours.
Highpoint was the presentation of certificates to the graduating students.
The closing ceremony of the first stage which was the online training, was held at the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) Auditorium.
Meanwhile, the second stage of the training would be onsite at the ongoing construction ground within the University campus.
Present at the event were the Deputy Registrar II, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Moses Ayanda; representative of the Director, Works and Services, Engr. Rasheed Akanbi; Former Ag. Director, Physical Planning, Mrs. Odunola Akinsola, and the Secretary, Solar Panel Project, Mrs. Olusola Afonrinwo.
Others were the Construction Manager, Engr. Charles Edebeatu; the Lead Resident Engineer, Engr. Daniel Iheanacho and Engr. Amable Ezenwa, including the 20 graduating female students.
