Vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali has said that the decision of the university to establish the Unilorin Renewable Energy Centre, UREC, was to contribute to the attainment of a stable public energy supply in the country.

Prof. Ambali disclosed this in the just published University of Ilorin 2014/2015 Annual Report, with a copy made available to our correspondent in Ilorin.

He pledged that when it became operational, the centre would be saddled with the responsibility of conducting research and training in alternative energy sources, which he said would no doubt aid the attainment of stable electricity supply in Nigeria.

The VC said that the University of Ilorin would not lose sight of its mandate as an ivory tower that was established mainly to perform the tripartite functions of teaching, research and community development.

He further pointed out that the establishment of UREC was informed by the university's effort to realise the third leg of the mandate, which is community service, to contribute its quota towards the progress and development of the community within which the University is domiciled.

According to him, "The University of Ilorin, having attained success in the first two legs (teaching and research), could not but direct its searchlights to areas where the lives of members of the university's host community and their living conditions would be enhanced."

Prof Ambali therefore thanked God that the frantic efforts of the university to improve academic standard and community development as well as inculcating the right values and character in the students had caught the attention of some distinguished organisations and agencies in terms of support and assistance in all aspects of the university's programmes.

While saying that the University of Ilorin could achieve whatever goal it sets its minds upon, the vice chancellor urged all staff and students not to rest on their oars but continue to keep the fire of their commitment and dedication burning, so as to take the university higher in the years ahead.