Former Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, Engr Mohammed Haruna has donated 1,300 textbooks to public tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State.
The donation, according to him, is a contribution to Governor Abdullahi Sule’s industrialisation agenda and in support of its skills development programme.
The textbooks would be distributed by Governor Sule to federal and state tertiary institutions.
Speaking yesterday during the donation of the books at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 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, while explaining that the basic approaches highlighted in the book are intended to solve problems of solar electricity load estimation, added that the book can also be used as a course material in solar systems technology for undergraduates in tertiary institutions.
He said engineers, architects and other professionals who need to incorporate solar solutions will find the book educative and helpful.
On the importance of the book, 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 that are 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 and 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 used as a course material in solar systems technology for undergraduates of tertiary institutions.”
He added: “It is a simple, practical guide to use electric solar panels, design and install photovoltaic solar systems for do-it-yourself skills.
“Engineers, architects and other professionals who need to incorporate solar solutions will find the book educative and helpful”.
He also noted that the content of the textbook are products of his practical work experience over the years, with significant contributions from his schoolmate and friend, Engr Nasiru Bello.
The governor, who was 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 in the country’s drive for self-reliance.
Sule, who was represented by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Aliyu Bello said “I wish to applaud Professor Haruna for his generosity in donating 1,300 copies of the book to our tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State.
“Surely, this gesture is an acknowledgement of the skills acquisition policy of this administration which is aimed at making the citizenry more productive, employable and self-reliant,” he said.
The governor said he is convinced that, if properly digested, the information and knowledge in the book will go a long way in enabling Nigeria harness the abundant solar energy that abound in the country.
“For the industry’s purpose, indeed, the book is in line with the administration’s policy of teaching the people how to fish, rather than feeding them.
“Writing in simple English, the book can be read, understood by any average literate person. Let me end the brief remark by calling on authorities of tertiary institutions that will be given this book to ensure the proper use by students,” he said.
Earlier, in his goodwill message, former National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, 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 and he is donating it to tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State and that 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 private libraries in the country. It is an enormous contribution to education, and in particular, engineering.
“In this particular instance, the book is essentially about electronics. When I used to be a student, we did not know so much about solar. It was never an issue at the time I was a student.
“We did not know anything like that. We never saw anything like solar panels anywhere, those things even our lecturers don’t know what it was.
“So, for me, I am more than attracted to the book. The introduction that was presented by the author himself induced interest and curiosity in my mind to try to see what it is, to reread it the best way I can, and see how we can make our contributions to maximise 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.”
