CMD Explores Solar Power Solutions: Visits 12MW Project in Maiduguri for Permanent Site Development

In a significant move towards sustainable healthcare infrastructure, Professor Joseph Ugboaja, Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), conducted a working visit to Maiduguri to inspect an innovative 12-megawatt solar off-grid project. The project, being executed by a Chinese Engineering company, represents a breakthrough in sustainable power solutions for medical institutions.

Project Overview

The ambitious project, part of the Energizing Education power initiative by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is designed to deliver:

• 7MW dedicated power supply to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

• 5MW to University of Maiduguri

• Comprehensive solution to address perennial power challenges in federal educational and health agencies

Strategic Timing and National Context

This initiative comes at a crucial time when healthcare institutions nationwide grapple with escalating power costs and sustainability challenges. The persistent issue of power supply to health institutions has become a focal point in national discussions, with many hospitals struggling to maintain 24/7 services due to prohibitive electricity and diesel costs.

NAUTH's Vision and Requirements

The NAUTH Permanent site, designed as a state-of-the-art 2000-bed capacity hospital with current installed capacity of 1,400 beds, requires robust power solutions to:

• Support extensive infrastructure and medical equipment

• Ensure uninterrupted quality healthcare services

• Maintain operational efficiency across its vast facilities

Comparative Analysis

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital serves as an ideal model for NAUTH's energy planning, sharing several key characteristics:

• Comparable bed capacity (1,350 beds)

• Similar land coverage (approximately 150 hectares)

• Parallel complexity in physical planning and power requirements

Leadership Perspective

Professor Ugboaja emphasized the significance of the visit, stating: "I am here to visit the biggest single solar power project for a Nigerian tertiary and Health institution with a view to establishing collaborations and partnerships towards providing a similar project for the Permanent site." He expressed gratitude to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, CMD of UMTH, for facilitating the visit and project interactions.

Future Implications

The implementation of an effective and sustainable power solution at the Permanent site aligns with NAUTH's strategic vision of becoming one of Nigeria's top three hospitals by 2030. The project represents a crucial step toward achieving operational excellence and sustainable healthcare delivery.

Government Support and Recognition

The CMD acknowledged the supportive role of key government figures:

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, interventions in the health sector

• Professor Muhammad Ali Pate CON, Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, for his visionary leadership through the Health Sector Renewal and Investment Initiative (HSRII)

Conclusion

The visit culminated in productive closed-door meetings with the construction company and plant managers, marking a significant step toward establishing sustainable power solutions for NAUTH's ambitious healthcare mission. This initiative demonstrates the institution's commitment to achieving excellence in healthcare delivery while embracing sustainable practices.