Abuja — The 43rd National Solar Energy Forum/conference has ended with a strong call for partnerships among universities, government agencies, development partners, industry leaders, and professional organizations to pursue a more reliable and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
Hosted by the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, the three-day conference was themed “Bridging Nigeria’s Energy Gap: Accelerating Solar Energy Adoption for Sustainable and National Development.”
It brought together stakeholders, energy experts, researchers, policymakers, renewable energy professionals, and other participants to discuss strategies for accelerating solar adoption.
In his welcome address, Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN) President Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo said that for over four decades, the National Solar Energy Forum had remained the foremost platform for scientists, researchers, industry players, policymakers, and students to interrogate Nigeria’s energy challenges and proffer sustainable solutions. He described the presence of critical stakeholders as a testament to the collective commitment to light up Nigeria.
Dr. Akpoyibo noted that the conference theme could not have come at a better time, given that Nigeria, despite its abundant sunshine, still struggles with many citizens lacking 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.
He thanked AUST for providing an 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.
The conference examined issues affecting the adoption and long-term sustainability of solar energy in Nigeria, including affordable solar 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. Participants stressed that a sustainable energy transition requires coordinated policies, investment, research, and partnerships.
A highlight of the conference was the executive leadership transition within the renewable energy community involving the Council for Renewable Energy of Nigeria (CREN) and SESN. Those elected were Engr. Dr. Yusuf Muhammad Ganda as President; Dr. Uzodima Adileji as Vice President; Sam Ifeanyi Nwosu as Secretary General; Hajia Salma Muhammad as Assistant Secretary General; Dr. Engr. Sabo Muhammad as Financial Secretary; Olanike Daramola Ememi as Treasurer; and Abba Musa as Public Relations Officer.
The new leadership was encouraged to build on existing achievements while fostering stronger partnerships among academia, industry, government, and development institutions.
Fellowship awards were also conferred on 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; and Rev. Mrs. Joan Agboro-Scheil, among others.
Also honoured were the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Prof. Ezekiel Oghenenyerhovwo Agbalagba; former FUPRE Vice Chancellor Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh; the Principal/CEO of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji; Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon. Jaro Movudu Egbo; and the Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Hon. Stella Okotete, among others.
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