YABATECH Alumni Illuminate Campus with Solar-Powered Streetlights
By DAYO ADESULU
The 1988–1999 alumni set of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has donated solar-powered streetlights to enhance campus security, reduce electricity costs, and support students’ welfare.
YABATECH Alumni Drive Sustainable Development with Solar Donation
The 1988–1999 alumni set of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has taken a significant step toward improving campus safety and student welfare by donating solar-powered streetlights to the institution.
The initiative, which includes the installation of 16 solar panels and AKT bulbs, aims to gradually extend across the entire campus as part of a long-term sustainability plan.
Motivation Behind the Solar Project
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Chairman of the 1988–1999 alumni set, Mr. Shola Ilesanmi, revealed that the idea was inspired by the inadequate power supply affecting students’ night study sessions.
“One of us visited the campus at night and was saddened to see students struggling to study in darkness. Knowing the college’s financial limitations, we decided to light up the school,” he explained.
Ilesanmi noted that the ultimate goal is to install between 40 and 50 solar units across the college, significantly cutting down electricity expenses and creating a safer, eco-friendly learning environment.
Promoting Academic Excellence
Beyond infrastructure support, the alumni group also pledged to sponsor an annual award for the best-performing student, reinforcing their commitment to encouraging academic excellence.
“We plan to reward the best student every year. Once the college provides account details, we will redeem our pledge,” Ilesanmi added.
Management Commends Alumni for Timely Support
In appreciation of the donation, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of Yaba College of Technology, commended the alumni’s gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
He assured that the management would formally recognize alumni contributions and urged more past students to support ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
“We are determined to maintain our reputation as Nigeria’s premier polytechnic. However, sustaining excellence requires continuous development and alumni support,” he emphasized.
YABATECH’s Ongoing Infrastructure Improvements
The rector disclosed that experts had estimated a ₦2.7 billion renovation for the School of Arts—an amount beyond the college’s current budget. As a result, the institution is adopting a phased approach to infrastructure development.
Dr. Abdul also highlighted recent investments in underground power cables and solar-powered systems within hostels.
“Each hostel now has 3.5 KVA solar lights, ensuring corridors and common rooms remain bright even during power outages,” he said.
He concluded by commending the alumni for their initiative and noted that such interventions would be officially documented in the college’s records for posterity.
