By Austine Luseni
Vice Chancellor of Njala University, Professor Bashiru Koroma, has called on the Ministry of Energy to engage Dr. Kandeh Yumkella on the proposed 1MW solar energy system to be installed at Makonde campus- Njala University.
Commenting on the project, the Energy Sector Lead said the 1MW solar project would be the first major investment in electricity in the history of the university, adding that the company responsible for the implementation of the project had already concluded the initial assessments of the project site at Makonde.
“This meeting today between the ministry, the Chancellor and the company is to clarify remaining issues and to set in motion the design of the project.
“The solar plant will be fully operational by the middle of 2026 and it will benefit over 7000 students at Makonde,” he said.
Dr. Yumkella underscored the critical role of the Ministry of Energy in helping His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s human capital and Feed Salone initiatives. “This is the case of energy contributing directly to the President’s vision, as it represents an integration of Pillar One. It crucially provides direct support to the Feed Salone Initiative, as Njala is the major university that offers courses in agricultural education, science and innovation,” he said.
He praised President Bio for the project, describing it as historic and impactful.
In his remarks, Professor Bashiru Koroma could not hide his joy at the prospects of having and seeing one of his campuses enjoy reliable electricity, describing the lack of reliable electricity as one of the daunting challenges that students endure at Makonde.
“The announcement of the approval of this World Bank project is like gifting Njala a birthday present. We are very excited about this project. It will definitely inject life into students and quality into outputs” he said.
He stated the solar energy project was coming at a time when Njala was expanding and revolutionizing its programs or courses to meet the realities of the time. “This project significantly aligns with the President’s human capital and Feed Salone initiative. And Njala is more than committed to helping His Excellency hit targets in these domains,” he concluded.
With the energy sector and the Feed Salone agenda being inextricably linked, reforms continue in the sector.
