To contribute to the nation's energy demands, the University of Ilorin has approved the establishment of a Centre for Renewable Energy at the institution. The approval which was given at the University Senate's 247th meeting followed the recommendation by the Business Committee of Senate (BCOS), which considered the report of a three-man Committee on the project led by Prof. C. O. Akoshile of the Department of Physics.

When established, the Unilorin Renewable Energy Centre (UREC) will conduct research and training that "will enhance the development and application of renewable energy resources as important component of alternative energy sources that is desired for realising a stable and reliable energy sector in the country".

According to the report of the Prof. Akoshile Committee which was contained in the university bulletin made available to newsmen, "the Centre shall be charged with the responsibility of organising and conducting research and development in renewable energy resources management and technologies".

Other mandates of the Centre include: identifying and assessing all renewable resources in the country; acquiring basic data and preparing an inventory of potential renewable energy resources of the nation; promoting renewable energies development with the aim of making rural areas self?sufficient in energy and food production; serving as a centre for training of high level manpower in renewable resources technology, and researching into environmental problems associated with the development of renewable resources and management.

The Centre will also serve as a resource centre offering advisory and research facilities for renewable resources development; cooperate with institutions and organsations engaged in similar activities; among others.