September 22, 2026
By Simpson Global Media News Desk
MOKWA, NIGER STATE — The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has installed a solar power system at its Agricultural Research Station in Mokwa, Niger State, as part of efforts to improve the station's electricity supply and operational capacity.
The development, announced by the institute on September 21, is intended to provide a more reliable and sustainable source of power for research and other essential activities at the station.
IAR said the installation is part of its continuing investment in infrastructure and working conditions across its research stations, with the objective of ensuring that scientists and technical personnel have the facilities needed to carry out agricultural research effectively.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Mokwa station, Mohammed Olawale Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the institute's management, saying the solar installation would contribute to improved efficiency in activities and services at the facility.
Supporting Field-Based Research
The Mokwa Agricultural Research Station is one of IAR's strategic research outstations. The institute says the station operates within Nigeria's Southern Guinea Savanna agro-ecological zone and supports adaptive trials, crop improvement and the development of technologies suited to local environmental conditions.
IAR's research programmes include cereal research, biotechnology, legumes and oilseeds, among other areas focused on developing crop varieties and technologies for Nigerian agricultural conditions.
The institute has also recently been strengthening the physical capacity of its research stations. In an earlier development, IAR announced the deployment of new tractors to the Mokwa and Kadawa stations to support land preparation, field trials and other mechanised research activities.
Renewable Energy for Research Operations
The new solar installation is expected to reduce dependence on conventional electricity supplies at the Mokwa station and provide a more consistent power source for day-to-day operations.
IAR described the project as part of its broader commitment to modern infrastructure, sustainable energy solutions and stronger operational capacity in support of agricultural research and national development.
The institute has previously deployed solar technology at other facilities. In 2024, IAR reported receiving facilities that included a 100KVA solar system for a containment facility, a 30KVA solar-powered cold room and solar-powered irrigation facilities covering two hectares.
For Nigeria's agricultural research system, dependable electricity is important for maintaining field operations, supporting scientific work and sustaining facilities required for crop development and technology testing.
The Mokwa installation therefore adds another piece of infrastructure to the institute's efforts to strengthen research capacity and improve the delivery of agricultural technologies to farmers.
Source: Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
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