UNILAG VC Seeks Government Support For Energy-Sector Innovation Challenge

By Joy Emele, Victor Chijioke

To kickstart a cascade of home-grown solutions for Nigeria’s energy sector, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folashade Ogunsola, has sought the support of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology on UNILAG’s African Engineering and Technology Network Innovation Challenge (AFRETEC).

Prof. Ogunsola did this in a meeting with the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, and the Minister of innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nanji, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

AFRETEC, an initiative designed to encourage innovative solutions in Nigeria’s energy sector, aims to accelerate the development of technology that can transform Nigeria’s energy landscape by leveraging on the creativity and expertise of students, researchers and industry professionals.

According to Professor Ogunsola, the challenge seeks to identify and support pioneering ideas and projects that can address Nigeria’s energy challenges, such as renewable energy solutions, energy efficiency technologies, and sustainable energy storage systems.

In a partnership agreement, UNILAG and ECN aim to work together to unlock new possibilities for sustainable energy solutions, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals and global efforts to combat climate change.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing between the Energy Commission, the University of Lagos, and other stakeholders in the energy sector, through avenues such as joint research initiatives, capacity-building programmes, and industry partnerships to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.

Professor Ogunsola used the meeting to personally invite Dr. Abdullahi to attend the AFRETEC Innovation Challenge Awards, scheduled to take place at the University of Lagos. This event will provide a platform for showcasing innovative energy solutions and recognizing outstanding achievements in the field. The partnership between the Energy Commission and the University of Lagos is expected to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, driving progress in Nigeria’s energy sector.