The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, has given consent to the use of Hinata Energy’s biofuel cookstoves in the University’s hostels as part of efforts to promote a cleaner, safer and friendlier cooking environment for students.
A statement signed by Sani Lawal Maqarphy media aide to the VC said the consent was given when the Vice-Chancellor received the Chief Executive Officer of Hinata Energy Limited, Mr. Kamal-Deen Kassim and his team, on a courtesy visit to present the company’s clean cooking solution and discuss its adoption in the University’s hostels.
The CEO was led to the Vice-Chancellor by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mal. Abdullahi Abdulkadir; the Students’ Affairs Officer, Barr. Maryam Halidu; and the President of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Comr. Ibrahim Khalifa.
Welcoming the team, Prof. Bunkure reiterated the importance of initiatives that promote students’ welfare, noting that the adoption of the clean energy solution would contribute significantly to providing a healthier, safer and more conducive environment in the hostels.
The Vice-Chancellor directed the Deanery of Students’ Affairs and the Directorate of Security Services to work closely to ensure the safe use of the biofuel cookstoves in the hostels and also approved a gradual transition from charcoal to biofuel to guarantee a smooth and sustainable implementation.
He further stressed that the phasing out of charcoal and kerosene should be a gradual process and should take into account the financial capacity of students to ensure that no one is unduly disadvantaged during the process.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Hinata Energy Limited, Mr. Kamal-Deen Kassim, said the company is expanding access to renewable energy solutions across Nigeria and Africa through the provision of affordable and safe biofuel and biofuel-powered cookstoves.
According to him, while demonstrating the operation of the cookstoves and their components, they provide a safer alternative to kerosene stoves and gas through the use of spill-resistant and explosion-proof fuel canisters. He explained that the clean-burning biofuel eliminates the black soot associated with kerosene stoves while reducing carbon emissions and promoting a healthier environment.
Mr. Kassim added that the company’s subscription model would make the technology more affordable and accessible to students, disclosing that Hinata would install the stoves across the kitchens of the hostels with students only needing to purchase the canister, while also assuring that regular sensitisation programmes would be organised to educate users on the safe and proper use of the cookstoves.
The Hinata Energy CEO further disclosed that although the current initiative is targeted at students residing in the hostels, the University’s Hinata Energy Biofuel Station, commissioned in 2023 and located behind the Female Students’ Hostel, remains open to members of staff and residents of neighbouring communities.
Also speaking, the Students’ Affairs Officer, Barr. Maryam Halidu, described the initiative as a practical response to the challenges associated with charcoal and kerosene cooking in students’ hostels.
She noted that the transition to biofuel cookstoves would help maintain a cleaner and safer hostel environment by reducing smoke, eliminating charcoal ash and soot, and providing students with a more convenient and efficient means of cooking.
In his remarks, the Director of Security Services, Mal. Halilu Hassan, recalled participating in the University’s initial engagement with Hinata Energy, which culminated in the commissioning of the biofuel station in 2023 in the institution. He expressed confidence that the renewed collaboration would further promote the adoption of clean, safe and sustainable cooking solutions within the University community.
The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mal. Abdullahi Abdulkadir**, and the SRC President, Comr. Ibrahim Khalifa, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for approving the initiative and for his continued commitment to improving students’ welfare.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, Prof. Kabir Haruna Danja; Director of Security Services, Mal. Halilu Hassan; Chief Security Officer, SP Bello Haruna (Rtd.); and other principal officers of the University.
