The 43rd National Solar Energy Forum/Conference, hosted by the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, has ended with a call for partnerships among Universities, government agencies, development partners, captains of industry, and professional organizations in the pursuit of a more reliable and sustainable energy future in Nigeria.
The three-day conference, with the theme: “Bridging Nigeria’s Energy Gap: Accelerating Solar Energy Adoption for Sustainable and National Development”, reaffirmed the importance of collective action in bridging Nigeria’s energy gap.
The well-attended programme brought together stakeholders, energy experts, researchers, policymakers, renewable energy professionals, and other participants to discuss strategies for accelerating solar energy adoption in Nigeria.
It was a valuable platform for examining the opportunities and challenges associated with solar energy adoption in Nigeria, with the discussions on affordability, energy storage, smart technologies, local manufacturing, skills development, and inclusive entrepreneurship demonstrating that a sustainable energy transition required a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
The conference provided an important platform for examining the role of renewable energy in addressing Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, promoting sustainable development, strengthening local capacity, and creating opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
The engagement addressed several important issues affecting the adoption and long-term sustainability of solar energy in Nigeria, including affordable solar energy solutions, grid modernization and energy storage, artificial intelligence and smart energy systems, local manufacturing and value-chain development, capacity building and youth empowerment, gender inclusion and green entrepreneurship, all of which
reinforced the need for coordinated policies, investment, research, and partnerships to accelerate Nigeria’s transition towards a cleaner and more reliable energy.
In his welcome address, SESN President, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo; said for over four decades, NASEF had remained the foremost platform for scientists, researchers, industry players, policymakers and students to interrogate Nigeria’s energy challenges and proffer sustainable solutions, describing the presence of critical stakeholders as a testament to the collective commitment to light up Nigeria.
Dr. Akpoyibo noted that the theme: “Bridging Nigeria’s Energy Gap:
Accelerating Solar Energy Adoption for Sustainable and National Development”, could not have come at a better time considering the fact that Nigeria, with abundant sunshine daily, still grappled with many citizens not having access to reliable electricity.
“The gap is real, its economic cost huge, and the social impact painful, yet, there lies our greatest opportunity. Accelerating solar adoption is no longer an alternative; it is the imperative for powering our industries, our farms, our hospitals and schools, and for achieving the Federal Government’s Energy Transition Plan and our climate commitments”, he said.
Dr. Akpoyibo thanked the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, for providing the enabling academic environment for the discourse, and expressed confidence that the deliberations, keynote address, technical papers, business session and exhibitions would produce a practical roadmap for bridging the gap through innovative financing, local manufacturing, productive use of solar, and youth involvement in green jobs.
One of the highlights of the conference was the executive leadership transition within the renewable energy community, involving the Council for Renewable Energy of Nigeria (CREN) and the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN).
Those elected were Engr. Dr. Yusuf Muhammad Ganda, President; Dr. Uzodima Adileji, Vice President; Mr Sam Ifeanyi Nwosu, Secretary General; Hajia Salma Muhammad, Assistant Secretary General; Dr. Engr. Sabo Muhammad, Financial Secretary; Olanike Daramola Ememi, Treasurer; and Abba Musa, Public Relations Officer.
The new leadership was encouraged to build on existing achievements while fostering stronger partnerships among the academia, industry, government, and development institutions.
There was also the conferment of Fellowship Awards on some deserving personalities, including Nigeria’s former First Lady, Mrs Maryam Sani Abacha, the Emir of Giade, HRM, Mohammed Sabo Abdulkadir; the Olu of Warri, HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Prof. Omonigho Otanocha, Engr. Kelly Ochuko Egode, Rev. Mrs Joan Agboro-Scheil, amongst others.
Also honoured were the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resource, FUPRE, Effurun, Professor Ezekiel Oghenenyerhovwo Agbalagba, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, former VC of FUPRE. The Principal /CEO of the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, Delta State, Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji; Chairman Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon Jaro Movudu Egbo; Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Export – Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Hon Stella Okotete, and a host of others.
