The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Makurdi Branch, Engr. Andrew Fanen Wuese, MNSE, MNIMechE on Thursday 16th February, 2023 led members of the branch on an industrial visit to the 3.5MW solar hybrid power plant of the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, JOSTUM formerly the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
Receiving the Chairman and members of the branch, the Head of Plant, Engr. Leonard Abuul thanked the NSE Makurdi Branch for creating time to inspect and see for herself the performance and operations of the solar plant.
Engr. Abuul in his speech stated that the institution had gone off the national grid and has since been enjoying constant power supply from the plant for the past two years. He added that the plant is being operated and maintained by staff of the institution since the handover by expatriates in 2021.
The Chairman was accompanied on the visit by past and present officials of the Branch including two past Chairmen, Engr. B.B Jila and Engr. Terna Mom. Others who were also part of the visit included graduate and student members, technologists, lecturers of JOSTUM including Prof. D.T Gundu, Dr. Sylvester Bam, Dr. Mathew Ekoja and Engr. Samuel Okpeinge.
Other key staff of the Solar Hybrid Plant who accompanied Engr. Leonard Abuul in conducting the engineers round the facility while entertaining questions and receiving contributions from them included Engr. Keghtor Abuku, Head of Maintenance, Fater Uzer Head of operations and Monika Deke in charge of the Workshop Training Center.
Engr. Andrew Wuese in his closing remarks thanked the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Aunde Annune for granting approval for the visit and commended the tireless efforts of the plant management for ensuring its functionality. He also prayed for more cooperation between the institution and the plant management for continued and effective delivery
