By correspondent in Ilorin.
Prof. Noah Yusuf.
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin has begun process to embark on solar energy to reduce the exorbitant bill coming from Power Holden Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Noah Yusuf made this known in Ilorin on Thursday at the press briefing organised to mark his third anniversary in office
He said the institution has been rationing power with a view to cut down on electricity bills from PHCN, but with the increment in electricity tariff the bill has gone beyond normal.
He said the institution has concluded plans to go on 100 percent solar energy to reduce the cost on electricity and purchase of diesel.
The vice chancellor said that the managment has carried out an extention of the dedicated power line to its Atere campus, Ilorin, thereby easing the challengeof power ans water supply internet link and other power-related challenges.
He said that the gradual movement to its permanent site with the successful movement of Faculties of Education and Management Sciences to Atere main campus as from 2022/2023 academic session.
Prof Yusuf said that the Permanent Campus has been linked with electricity, water supply, road and Internet facilities.
Yusuf said the University had signed collaborations and partnership with many governments and institutions toward signing Memorandum of Understanding with them with a view to advance teaching, learning and research.
He said the University signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lakeside University College, Accra, Ghana and Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and Katsina State Government.
He explained that part of the MoU with FRIN will ensure the planting of economic trees in Igbaja and Atere Campuses of the University.
The VC also disclosed that that Igbaja Campus will soon host staff of FRIN, adding that arrangements are ongoing to establish Zoological Garden in Igbaja Campus.
He said the University is also working with some other states to sponsor their students to the university to study some specialised coursed like Cyber, Nursing, among others.
He said in the last one year, the institution received accreditation teams for the accreditation of eleven programmes in which the university had over 90 percent success.
Speaking on security, Prof Yusuf said the institution beef-up security in all its campuses with the provision CCTV camera, perimeter fencing and increase in the number of security personnel on ground.
According to him, despite the remarkable achievements, the University faces several challenges in the path ahead, which include financial constraints, competition from other institutions, absence of federal and state government support, over-congestion of Atere campus and other challenges in operating multi-campus system.
Yusuf revealed that the council and Senate of the institution have approved the establishment of the Medical School with bias in Natural Medicine.
According to him, the partnership with the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) would further boost the speciality in Natural Medicine as the institute has a full-fledged herbal unit which currently engages in research in natural/herbal products.
“Academic activities in the new course are expected to commence as from 2023/2024 academic session.
“Al-Hikmah University has witnessed significant strides in the realm of academic excellence, introducing innovative teaching methodologies, expanded the university’s academic programmes and foster an environment conducive to research and intellectual growth.
“We have never experienced any academic interruption and we hope to continue and to sustain that culture.
“Al-Hikmah University has witnessed remarkable increase in research output, with focus on interdisciplinary studies and collaborations.
“Our various students-centred initiatives include career counselling services, skill development workshops, and extracurricular activities. All the student hostels were supplied with both sporting facilities and indoor games,” Prof Yusuf said.
