Harbel, Margibi County — In a bold stride toward clean energy and practical education, students and recent graduates of Margibi University have successfully installed a 5-kilowatt (KW) solar power system, electrifying four classrooms and setting a new benchmark for student-led innovation in Liberia.
The initiative, known as the “Energy HuB MU Solar Project,” was spearheaded by mechanical engineering graduates Paul P. Paukpa and Elvis M. Clinton, under the guidance of Dr. Seraphin C. Abou, Dean of the College of Engineering and Geo Sciences.
Supported by the Bowier Trust Foundation Switzerland (BTFS) and OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences through the CHUB 2025 program, the project is designed to provide stable, clean, and affordable electricity to the university. The system aims to enhance learning environments, particularly for evening classes, while reducing reliance Firestone electricity mostly during the dry season.
“This time, we focused our attention on keeping the process grounded and sustainable,” said project lead Paul P. Paukpa during the system’s handover ceremony. “It’s a movement to show that young Liberians can design and implement solutions for their own schools and communities. I deeply enjoyed the collaborative effort from our administration and students.”
The 5KW solar setup includes solar panels, a lithium battery, a hybrid inverter, and complete wiring for lighting and electrical outlets. The system was fully designed, sourced, and installed by the student team in collaboration with university staff and fellow students.
Dr. Abou, who mentored the team throughout the process, described the initiative as “a living lab for practical learning,” emphasizing its value in strengthening the university’s engineering and renewable energy curriculum.
The project team extended heartfelt appreciation to Chairman Felix Walz of the BTFS, as well as to Professor Andreas Reber and Dorothee Spuhler of OST, for their international support and guidance. The team also praised Dr. Joseph Isaac, President of Margibi University, along with the university administration, for their unwavering moral support and encouragement of student-driven innovation.
“This project is not only about the system,” said Olivia BS Jallah, a participating engineering student. “It’s about how we, as students, were given the stage to be part of both the theoretical and hands-on installation process.”
The Energy HuB MU Solar Project is aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Clean Energy (SDG 7), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Climate Action (SDG 13). More than 400 students per semester are expected to benefit directly from the initiative.
As Liberia continues to grapple with national electricity challenges, Margibi University’s successful solar installation serves as a powerful example of how youth-led, locally driven solutions can pave the way for a more sustainable future.
