The Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, has called for stronger partnerships among government, universities and industry to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to clean energy.
Olarinde made the call at the second International Green Hydrogen Summit hosted by the university, where stakeholders discussed the role of research, policy and industrial innovation in developing the country’s renewable energy sector.
She said Nigeria needed sustained investment in scientific research, effective policies, industrial innovation and skilled manpower to translate clean energy research into practical solutions.
“There is need for stronger collaboration among government, academia and industry to translate scientific research into practical clean energy solutions,” she said.
The vice-chancellor urged participants to develop practical proposals and lasting partnerships capable of advancing Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions.
The Chief Executive Officer of CrossAfrique Hydrogen Limited, Netherlands, Joshua Dauda, also emphasised the importance of international cooperation and partnerships between universities and industries.
Dauda said the company was working with industrial partners and the German development agency, GIZ, on a proposed Green Energy Hub at ABUAD.
According to him, the initiative would begin with a solar photovoltaic system to power the university and a hydrogen classroom dedicated to research, demonstration and professional training.
He described the proposed project as a potentially pioneering initiative in Nigeria, adding that it would equip researchers, lecturers and other professionals with knowledge of hydrogen technology.
The project would also support curriculum development and knowledge-sharing, with the possibility of enabling other universities and institutions to replicate the model.
Dauda said a subsequent phase could explore green ammonia production for fertiliser, potentially extending the initiative’s benefits to agriculture and industrial development.
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, represented by Bolaji Sulu-Ibrahim, also called for stronger collaboration to harness the country’s renewable energy resources.
Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria’s Pathway to Clean Energy: The Science, Policy and Industry Nexus,” Abdullahi said Nigeria’s long-term energy transition plans envisaged a substantial shift towards renewable energy, with hydrogen expected to contribute to energy storage and industrial decarbonisation.
He said Nigeria had considerable renewable energy potential, including strong solar radiation in parts of the North-West, hydropower resources, wind potential in some northern areas and abundant biomass.
Abdullahi cited solar radiation levels of between 6.0 and 7.0 kilowatt-hours per square metre daily in parts of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states as an opportunity for solar power development.
However, he said the country’s renewable energy resources remained underutilised, stressing the need for investment in research, technology development and supporting infrastructure.
He also identified reliance on imported solar modules, inverters and batteries, inadequate grid infrastructure, shortages of skilled workers, substandard equipment and limited access to finance as obstacles to sectoral growth.
Abdullahi said the Energy Commission was implementing a solarisation programme for public facilities, particularly in health and education, while its six energy research centres across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones were expected to strengthen innovation.
He urged universities and research institutions to collaborate with the commission on research and pilot projects, while encouraging industries to invest in technologies that could reduce emissions from fertiliser production, refining, cement and steel manufacturing.
The proposed Green Energy Hub at ABUAD is expected to combine solar power generation, hydrogen research and professional training. Its planned development comes as Nigeria seeks to expand renewable energy use and build the technical capacity needed for a lower-carbon economy.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could provide a model for cooperation between universities, industry and international development partners, while supporting research and skills development in Nigeria’s emerging clean energy sector.
