AAU Biochemistry Class of 2000 Donates 10KVA Solar Inverter to Alma Mater — Illuminating the Path for Future Scholars

In what has been described as a groundbreaking gesture of vision, unity, and responsibility, the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Biochemistry Alumni Class of 2000 has set a new standard for alumni intervention in tertiary education. The group recently commissioned a 10 KVA Solar Inverter Power Project for the Department of Biochemistry at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State — a landmark initiative that promises to redefine the learning and research experience in the department.

The commissioning ceremony, themed “Lighting the Path for Future Scholars,” took place on November 10, 2025, at the Faculty of Life Sciences Hall, AAU Ekpoma. It brought together prominent alumni members, university officials, faculty representatives, and students who gathered to celebrate a milestone in the university’s long-standing pursuit of academic excellence through self-driven development.

The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eunice Omonzejie, who led the official commissioning of the solar project. In her remarks, Prof. Omonzejie described the gesture as a model of responsible alumni partnership and an inspiration to other graduating sets. She emphasized that the intervention aligned perfectly with the university’s current transformation agenda, which seeks to reposition AAU for global competitiveness through infrastructural renewal, sustainability, and technology-driven teaching.

“This gesture by the Biochemistry Class of 2000 is a direct support to our administration’s commitment to transforming the fortunes of Ambrose Alli University,” Prof. Omonzejie stated. “Government alone cannot shoulder the burden of developing this great institution. Alumni partnerships like this are essential in building a university that serves the next generation with pride and purpose.”

The Vice Chancellor’s message set the tone for an emotional and reflective event, as several speakers echoed the same call for shared responsibility in restoring the glory of public universities through alumni-driven projects.

A Project Born from Vision and Necessity

For years, the Department of Biochemistry at AAU has struggled with erratic electricity supply — a problem that disrupted laboratory experiments, frustrated research work, and made audiovisual teaching nearly impossible. According to the department’s leadership, power interruptions often delayed academic schedules and increased the cost of running the department due to reliance on fuel-powered generators.

The 10 KVA Solar Inverter Power Project, funded and executed by the Class of 2000 Alumni, was therefore designed as a clean, sustainable, and reliable energy solution to address this long-standing challenge.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Omofonmwan Isaac, President of the Biochemistry Alumni Class of 2000 and the association’s pioneer leader, explained that the project was conceived not merely as a donation, but as a strategic investment in the department’s future.

“We realized that the greatest challenge to effective learning and research in our department was not lack of equipment but lack of stable power supply,” Omofonmwan revealed. “We wanted to do something enduring, something that would impact both staff and students for years to come. This solar inverter system is our way of giving back to the institution that gave us the foundation we now stand upon.”

He further expressed optimism that the project would inspire other alumni sets to emulate the initiative, encouraging a culture of responsibility and gratitude among AAU graduates.

The Power Committee’s Strategic Shift

The project’s implementation journey was not without deliberation and strategic adjustments. According to Mr. Glory Okoduwa, the Publicity Secretary of the Alumni Association and Chairperson of the Commissioning Committee, the group initially considered upgrading the department’s laboratory equipment. However, after consulting with technical experts, they decided to prioritize a solar power installation — a decision that, in hindsight, proved visionary.

“The consultants we engaged advised that stable electricity was the key challenge holding back effective laboratory work,” Okoduwa said. “We therefore redirected our resources to solving that problem at its root. This solar inverter will now provide consistent power to the labs, classrooms, and research facilities. It’s not just a project — it’s a legacy of clean energy and sustainability.”

Indeed, the decision to opt for solar energy mirrors global trends in renewable power adoption within academic institutions. Beyond addressing the electricity deficit, the project positions AAU’s Biochemistry Department as a model for green energy innovation in Nigerian universities.

Immediate Impact on Research and Learning

The joy of the department’s staff and students was palpable during the commissioning ceremony. Dr. Israel Ebhohimen, Acting Head of the Department of Biochemistry, described the project as “a breath of fresh air and a turning point for scientific education in Ekpoma.”

In his emotional speech, Dr. Ebhohimen painted a vivid picture of the department’s previous struggles.

“Before now, frequent power outages disrupted practical sessions and ruined several research experiments,” he said. “In some cases, students had to repeat entire projects because the reagents or samples got damaged due to sudden blackouts. We relied heavily on fuel generators, which were expensive and environmentally unfriendly.”

He emphasized that the installation of the solar inverter coincided perfectly with the commencement of the current 400-level students’ final-year research projects — a coincidence that made the impact of the intervention immediately visible.

“For the first time in many years, our students completed their experiments without power interruptions,” he said proudly. “This is not just an infrastructure upgrade; it’s a direct boost to academic quality and student morale.”

 

Voices of Gratitude and Inspiration

Also present at the ceremony were other distinguished members of the 2000 Alumni Class, including Pastor Gavin Okoduwa and Professor Anthony Ugbenyen, both of whom have maintained active involvement in the department’s development. Their presence reinforced the spirit of camaraderie that has kept the Class of 2000 united for over two decades.

The Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Professor Hanson Iyawe, expressed deep appreciation to the alumni, noting that the initiative would enhance research output and contribute to AAU’s growing reputation as a hub for scientific advancement.

“This project is a testimony to what alumni can achieve when they unite behind a common purpose,” Prof. Iyawe said. “With this intervention, we expect a significant improvement in research productivity, particularly in the area of biochemical analysis and molecular studies. You have not only given us power; you have given us renewed hope.”

The event concluded with a symbolic “lighting of the path” ceremony, during which the solar inverter was switched on for the first time, illuminating the department’s laboratories and corridors. The glow from the solar-powered lights drew applause from all present, symbolizing not only the success of the project but also the dawn of a new era for the Biochemistry Department.

Beyond Philanthropy — A Sustainable Legacy

The commissioning of the solar inverter power project by the AAU Biochemistry Class of 2000 goes beyond the symbolic act of giving back. It is a demonstration of how alumni associations can take ownership of their alma mater’s development through practical and sustainable interventions.

In an era where many Nigerian universities are plagued by underfunding and infrastructural decay, the project sends a powerful message: that the private sector, individuals, and alumni groups have an active role to play in revitalizing public education.

By choosing renewable energy over short-term fixes, the Biochemistry Alumni Class of 2000 has also aligned its contribution with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 — Affordable and Clean Energy, and Goal 4 — Quality Education.

“We are not just giving power; we are powering minds,” said Mr. Omofonmwan in his closing remarks. “The ultimate goal is to ensure that students of Ambrose Alli University can learn, innovate, and compete with their peers globally without being held back by basic infrastructural challenges.”

The initiative also highlights the importance of collective vision and coordinated action in alumni engagement. According to Mr. Okoduwa, the project was entirely crowd-funded by members of the 2000 alumni set, many of whom now live and work in different parts of Nigeria and abroad.

“We didn’t wait for government or corporate sponsorship,” he said. “Every contribution, no matter how small, mattered. It’s a story of shared sacrifice for the greater good.”

 

A Beacon of Hope for the Future

As the lights powered by the 10 KVA solar inverter continue to glow in the Biochemistry Department at Ambrose Alli University, they stand as a testament to the power of unity, purpose, and gratitude. What began as a simple alumni project has evolved into a statement — a declaration that transformation begins when those who once benefited from an institution return to build it stronger.

In the words of Vice Chancellor Prof. Omonzejie:

“The Class of 2000 has not only lit up the department; they have lit up our hearts and inspired a movement of hope and responsibility.”

The newly powered laboratories, classrooms, and research centers now symbolize what Ambrose Alli University stands for — resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of community.

As students resume their studies under uninterrupted power, they do so with a renewed sense of pride — knowing that the path to their success has been brightened by those who once walked it before them.