5KVA Solar System: College of Engineering Student Project Showcases 3 Ts—Talent, Training & Teamwork

In a remarkable showcase of student-led innovation and sustainable technology, the Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, paid an appreciation visit to the College of Engineering on Friday, July 11, 2025. The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a 5KVA Solar Photovoltaic Power System—an entirely in-house development by students and staff of the college.

Beaming with pride, the Vice-Chancellor lauded the milestone achievement, describing it as “great news for the university” and a source of immense pride for the institution’s Founder, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola OFR, CON, SAN.

“Developments of this nature bring joy and happiness to our Founder,” she noted. “I will take this good news to him, and I can just imagine the smile on his face when he sees what our talented students have achieved during an intense training of amazing teamwork: the 3 Ts.”

The solar system is designed as a backup and to supplement power supply in the A and E Wings of the College of Engineering, ensuring uninterrupted operations in the departmental offices for Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering and Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering.

Prof. Olarinde was warmly received by the Provost of the College, Engr. Prof. Moses O. Onibonoje, who, along with other senior academic staff, conducted the Vice-Chancellor through the technical tour. In his briefing, Prof. Onibonoje explained that the solar innovation was the result of a collaborative effort among faculty members and final-year students.

“This 5KVA Solar Photovoltaic System formed part of the final project for a group of graduating students. It is capable of efficiently powering our A and E Wings,” he stated.

He further disclosed plans for an expanded phase, being a 7.5KVA Solar Power System that will provide backup for the C, D, and F Wings of the college, including essential administrative offices in the departments of Civil, Chemical and Petroleum, Electrical/Electronics, and Computer Engineering.

Prof. Olarinde praised the ingenuity on display and emphasized the vital role of engineering in societal advancement. “Engineering is everything,” she asserted. “Any attempt to separate hands-on engineering training from theory is a step toward underdevelopment and human suffering.”

This development aligns with the Founder’s vision of establishing a citadel of learning and innovation that is second to none, taking a cue from Stanford University, USA

Following the visit, a team from the college, led by the Vice-Chancellor, was later warmly received by the Founder, who showered heartfelt prayers: “You shall excel in all your endeavours. You shall have greater luck than I have.”

“What a powerful prayer!” the Vice-Chancellor exclaimed with a resounding Amen.

Photos Speak:

FROM THE VC’S DESK