The Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, has said the school now spends about 80 per cent less on electricity since it started getting power from Aba Power.
The Rector said this recently while speaking to journalists during a visit by officials of Aba Power Limited Electric (APLE) to the Polytechnic.
He explained that the new power supply has helped the Polytechnic reduce its electricity bills and has also made it easier for staff and students to carry out their daily activities.
According to the Rector, the high cost of buying diesel and running generators was one of the major problems he faced when he became Rector.
“Power was one of the first bills I met. A substantial amount of the funds available to the institution was going into diesel and the running of generators,” he said.
He said his meeting with Prof. Bart Nnaji, founder and Chairman of Geometric Power, helped to bring quick attention to the Polytechnic’s electricity needs.
The Rector explained that since the Polytechnic began receiving power from Aba Power, it has reduced its dependence on generators and the amount spent on diesel.
He said the money saved can now be used to meet other important needs of the institution.
Okoro also said the improved electricity supply has made a difference in teaching, research, students’ practical work and other activities on campus.
He recalled that in the past, staff and students sometimes had to stop their work and leave the campus because there was not enough electricity to continue.
“Before now, you barely saw staff and students comfortable doing their work here. Today, it is different. Even as late as 6pm, you can still see students in their numbers, sitting comfortably and using electricity to continue their work,” he said.
The Rector said the steady power supply has also helped students to do more research, complete practical work and engage in small online businesses while on campus.
He added that the reduced use of generators has also brought down the noise and pollution caused by the regular burning of diesel.
