UNIBEN Gets First Solar-Powered Borehole from LG Electronics
In a significant step towards campus sustainability, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has officially commissioned its first solar-powered borehole, a corporate social responsibility initiative by LG Electronics. The project, inaugurated on January 23, 2025, is set to resolve a decade-long water crisis, delivering a reliable and clean water supply to thousands of students and university staff while significantly reducing the institution’s dependence on the national grid and associated utility expenses.
LG Electronics’ Commitment to Renewable Energy
This initiative underscores LG Electronics’ dedication to leveraging technology for societal benefit. During the commissioning ceremony, Paul Mba, Corporate Marketing Manager for LG Electronics Nigeria, articulated the company’s vision. “At LG Electronics, we believe in using technology to improve lives,” Mba stated. “This solar-powered borehole is not just about providing water; it’s about creating a sustainable future where renewable energy plays a key role in meeting basic needs.”
Mba noted that UNIBEN is the first university in Nigeria to benefit from such a project from the company, expressing hope that the facility would be diligently maintained for future generations. He also confirmed LG’s intent to replicate this success at other educational institutions, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development across the country.
University Acclaims a ‘Game-Changer’ Project
The university’s leadership has warmly welcomed the donation. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the Chairman of the Security Committee, Prof. Fred Ekhaise, lauded the project as a “game-changer” for the university community. “Access to clean water is essential for academic and residential life,” he remarked. “Having a solar-powered solution ensures reliability while promoting environmental responsibility. We deeply appreciate LG Electronics for this generous contribution.”
The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Clement Ighodaro, echoed these sentiments, praising LG’s generosity. He urged students to take ownership of the new facility, emphasizing that sustainability-driven projects create lasting value and improve the overall academic experience.
Students Celebrate Relief from Water Scarcity
For students who have long contended with inconsistent water supply, the new borehole represents a major improvement in their daily lives. Agboola Timilehin, the Student Union Government (SUG) President, highlighted the practical benefits. “We often struggle with water supply, especially during peak hours. This borehole will make a huge difference,” he said. Timilehin specifically pointed to the project’s key advantage: “The fact that it runs on solar energy means we won’t have to worry about power outages affecting water availability.”
The UNIBEN project serves as a compelling model for how corporate partnerships can implement green energy solutions to solve fundamental infrastructure challenges in Nigeria. It sets a precedent for integrating sustainability with essential services, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to transform lives and build a more resilient future for academic institutions.
Sources
- LG Electronics Commissions UNIBEN’s First Solar-Powered …
- LG Electronics Donates Solar-powered Borehole To UNIBEN
- LG inaugurates UNIBEN solar-powered borehole
- LG Electronics excites UNIBEN community with solar
- UNIBEN water crisis ends with installation of solar borehole
