The former executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the National Agency for Science Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Mohammed Sani Haruna has donated 1,300 textbooks to public tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State.
He said the donation supports Governor Sule’s industrialisation agenda and skills development programme.
The state governor, Abdullahi Sule, will distribute the textbooks to the federal and state tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State.
Speaking yesterday during the donation of the books at the Nasarawa State University in Keffi, Engr. Haruna described the textbook as a simple, practical guide to using electric solar panels and designing and installing Photovoltaic Solar (PV) systems for do-it-yourself (DIY) skills.
Haruna explained that the basic approaches highlighted in the book are intended to solve problems of solar electricity load estimation and added that the book could also be used as course material in solar systems technology for undergraduates in tertiary institutions.
He said engineers, architects and other professionals who need to incorporate solar solutions would find the book educative and helpful.
On the book’s importance, he said, “This material provides solutions to criteria that describe a quality system and key design and installation considerations that should be met.
“It also deals with systems located in residences connected to utility power. The document provides a packaged system that meets the owner’s needs; criteria for a system may include a reduction in the monthly electricity bill, environmental benefits, a desire for backup power, initial budget constraints, etc.
“Sizing PV arrays and their orientation for optimal performance have all been comprehensively considered along with other criteria such as surface area, sunlight and weather-resistant materials, shading from trees and buildings, vent pipes, storage batteries, inverters and the remaining balance of system components and accessories.
“This book also reaffirms that solar electricity is a reality, not a myth. It provides illustrations of solar-powered system load survey methods with case studies.
“It is intended that the basic approach herein will solve problems of solar electricity load estimation. The book can be a course material in solar systems technology for undergraduates in tertiary institutions.”
He added: “It is a simple, practical guide to using electric solar panels and designing and installing Photovoltaic solar (PV) systems for do-it-yourself (DIY) Skills.
“Engineers, Architects and other professionals who need to incorporate solar solutions will find the book educative and helpful.”
He also noted that the contents of the textbooks are products of his practical work experience over the years, with significant contributions from his schoolmate and friend, Engr Nasiru Bello.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, the special guest of honour at the occasion, commended the ex-NASENI Chief Executive for writing and publishing the book, which, according to him, is a valuable contribution to the country’s drive for self-reliance.
Governor Sule, who was represented by the APC state chairman in Nasarawa State, Dr Aliyu Bello, said, “I wish to applaud Professor Haruna for his generosity in donating 1,400 copies of the book to our tertiary institution in Nasarawa State.
“Surely, this gesture is an acknowledgement of the skills acquisition policy of this administration, which is aimed at making the citizenry in Nasarawa State more productive, employable, and self-reliant,” he said.
Sule said he was convinced that, if properly digested, the information and knowledge in the book would enable Nigeria to harness the abundant solar energy in the country.
“For the industry’s purpose, indeed, the book aligns with the administration policy of teaching the people how to fish rather than feeding them.
“Writing in simple English, the book can be read and understood by any average literate person. Let me end the brief remark by calling on authorities of tertiary institutions that we will be giving this book to ensure the proper use of the book for the students to utilise it,” he said.
Earlier in his goodwill message, former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Adamu, described the book as an enormous contribution to education in the state, particularly the engineering profession.
He said, “Only God knows how many people have access to the book that he has written. He is donating to tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State, which is his focus.
“But, the moment these books leave here today, only God knows how far they will go, both within tertiary institutions around Nigeria and into private libraries in the country. It is an enormous contribution to education and, in particular, to engineering.
“In this particular instance, the book is essentially about electronics. When I was a student, we didn’t know much about solar. It was never an issue at the time I was a student.
“We didn’t know anything like that. We never saw anything like solar panels anywhere; those things. Even our lecturers didn’t know what it was.
“So, I am more than attracted to the book. The introduction presented by the author himself further induced interest and curiosity in my mind to try to see what it is, reread it the best I can and see how we can contribute to maximising the benefits of this effort by the author.
“I thank you for the effort. And I do hope and pray that people will see the enormous benefit to students of electrical engineering, physics particularly. I wish you further success.”
