The University community is here by informed/updated that the World Bank has given a grant to support eleven Centres of Excellence in Nigeria through the Science and Technology Education Post Basic (STEP-B) Project, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto is one of them. The University in collaboration with Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi submitted a proposal for funding to World Bank, the proposal having met the requirement was approved by the World Bank. The University will be supported to implement Centre of Excellence in Renewable Energy Research and Development to the tune of 4.2 million US Dollars.
The Centre’s goal when established is aimed at becoming a leading Institute in research, innovations and capacity building in different areas of Renewable Energy national and international in scope, capable of drawing energy and initiatives from across institutional boundaries, beneficial to the economy and social wellbeing of the rural areas and the nation. The Centre will draw on the existing expertise and relevant facilities from the Sokoto Energy Research Centre (SERC) and Centre for Renewable Energy of the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi as well as the existing departments of Physics, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry and Computer Science of the University, the school of Engineering of the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi as well as the planned school of Engineering of the University. As part of sustainability, the Centre will provide specialized training to unemployed youth in the areas of operation, management and maintenance of village level renewable energy technologies through workshops.
The Centre will consist of five research units: Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Thermal, Biomass, Wind and Small Hydropower. One of these units will be located in the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic Birnin-Kebbi. The research units will operate in an integrated manner to design and execute research and developmental projects that have direct bearing to the needs of the nation. In addition the units would be engaged in designing and implementing comprehensive training programmes which include establishment of OND, HND/B.sc programmes in renewable energy, enhancement of the University existing M.sc/M.phil and Phd programs in renewable energy, training the trainers, vocational training, short courses, consultancy services, workshops and seminars in various geographical zones of the country.
As a take-off grant the sum of $500,000.00 naira equivalent has been released to the University to commence implementation of the Project. The first trench released will be adequately utilised (as contained in the Project work plan approved by the World Bank) in the renovation of buildings and laboratories, procurement of laboratory and ICT equipments, training of Staff, attendance to local, regional, and international conferences, workshop and seminars, recruiting Consultant, and also to attend local and international research visits.
In order to ensure successful implementation of the centre, the university set up an implementation committee charged with the responsibility to ensure full implementation of the proposal as approved by the STEP-B Project. The committee was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor on the 2nd of February, 2010 with the following Terms of Reference;
- See to the successful implementation of the proposal as approved by STEP-B Project.
- Ensure strict compliance to all the guidelines set forth.
- Submit monthly progress report to Vice-Chancellor.
The committee has a timeframe of 17 months.
The committee comprised of;
- UDUS STEP-B Project team.
- Members of proposal writing group.
- Representatives of Sokoto Energy Research Centre.
- Representative of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi.
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For any further information about STEP-B Project and indeed the Centre please contact the following:
1. Prof. L. S. Bilbis – Director Development Office and Chairman Centre of Excellence on RE implementation committee.
G.S.M number 08034227001
Email address: bilbis360@hotmail.com
2. Mal. Ahmed Isah Chafe – Director M.I.S. and Project Manager STEP-B Project.
G.S.M number: 08065910743
Email address: aichafe@yahoo.com, aichafe@udusok.edu.ng
3. Usman A. Ngaski – Secretary & Communications Officer STEP-B Project.
G.S.M number: 08069517467
Email: ngaskiu@yahoo.ca
Thank you,
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