At 31, Peter Ofuje Obidi has garnered international recognition for his contributions to engineering, sustainability, and business. In 2024, Obidi was awarded three distinguished fellowships from the Nigerian Institution of Professional Engineers and Scientists (NIPES), the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), and the MSME Institute of Management and Professional Studies (MIMPS). These accolades highlight his exceptional achievements across academia and industry, particularly his work in environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship. In this exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune Obidi discusses his journey, his philosophy on innovation, and the future of his work in both Africa and beyond.
How does this recognition reflect on your contributions to both engineering and business?
Receiving these fellowships is both an honor and a validation of the work I’ve dedicated myself to over the years. The recognition from these respected institutions highlights my contributions in areas like environmental sustainability, mechanical engineering, and entrepreneurship. For me, this achievement underscores the broader impact engineering can have on real-world challenges—beyond just technical innovation, but in creating sustainable, economically viable solutions. These awards inspire me to continue innovating and contributing to both fields, as well as mentoring the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs.
You’re known for balancing multiple roles as a researcher, entrepreneur, and engineer. How do you manage to excel in these diverse areas?
It’s all about focus and structure. I approach each role—whether in academia, business, or engineering—with a problem-solving mindset. Engineering teaches you to break down complex systems and find efficient solutions, and that applies equally to running a business or conducting research. My work as a Ph.D. candidate focuses on optimizing algal systems for carbon capture and wastewater remediation, and I apply similar principles of sustainability and innovation in my business ventures. It’s a matter of prioritizing my goals, staying organized, and maintaining a clear vision across all these fields.
You started your first entrepreneurial venture in 2013 with an automobile workshop and later co-founded Cap-Access Limited in 2016. What motivated you to become an entrepreneur so early in your career?
Entrepreneurship for me was a natural extension of my passion for engineering. I’ve always been curious about systems—how they work, how they can be improved—and this curiosity drove me to start my first business in 2013. At Cap-Access Limited, which I co-founded in 2016, I aimed to apply engineering principles to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Entrepreneurship allows me to create impactful solutions, not just in theory but in practice, addressing real-world problems with scalable, sustainable business models.
How does your academic work, particularly in algal systems for carbon capture, inform your entrepreneurial ventures?
My academic research and business ventures are interconnected, especially in sustainability. In my Ph.D. research at Missouri University of Science and Technology, I’m focused on enhancing algal systems for environmental applications like carbon sequestration and wastewater remediation. These are pressing global issues, and the same sustainability principles guide the projects I undertake with Cap-Access Limited. Whether in academia or industry, my goal is to develop practical, efficient solutions that can be scaled and implemented in diverse sectors, both locally and globally. This approach ensures that my research isn’t confined to the lab but translates into a meaningful impact in the business world.
In 2017, you launched a community initiative in Lagos to mentor young entrepreneurs. What drove you to start this program?
I’ve always believed in the importance of giving back, especially in helping others overcome the challenges I faced as a young entrepreneur. Lagos is a vibrant city with immense potential, particularly among its youth. However, many aspiring entrepreneurs lack access to mentorship and resources to bring their ideas to life. I wanted to bridge that gap by sharing the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained in engineering and business. Through this initiative, I’ve been able to support young entrepreneurs in developing sustainable business models and equip them with the tools they need to succeed, contributing to broader economic development in the region.
What advice would you give to young engineers and entrepreneurs looking to follow in your footsteps?
The most important piece of advice is to remain adaptable and always stay curious. Engineering teaches you to solve problems, but it also teaches you that solutions evolve. The world is changing rapidly, and those who can innovate and diversify their skills will always have an edge. Whether you’re pursuing a career in academia, business, or both, never stop learning and never be afraid to explore new paths. Challenge assumptions and push boundaries—real progress happens when we are willing to step outside our comfort zones.
What are your next major goals as you continue to expand your research and business endeavors?
Soon, I’ll be applying the principles from my academic work to further scale and improve upon my efforts in research and expand my business horizon in Africa, the United States, and the world at large. My work in sustainability and environmental remediation is critical to industries globally, and I plan to push forward in these areas while continuing to mentor young entrepreneurs. I see tremendous opportunities ahead, and I’m excited to leverage what I’ve learned to make an even bigger impact.
You’ve previously mentioned applying engineering principles to deliver innovative solutions in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. How can Nigeria leverage engineering and innovation to address pressing environmental challenges such as pollution and climate change?
Nigeria, like many developing nations, faces significant environmental challenges, including pollution, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change. Engineering can play a transformative role in addressing these issues. For instance, adopting renewable energy technologies like solar and wind, which are abundant in Nigeria, could significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, innovations in waste management, such as the development of bioreactors to process waste and generate energy, could be a game changer for Nigeria’s urban centers, where waste is a persistent problem. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and encouraging local innovation, Nigeria can tackle both environmental degradation and create economic opportunities.
What policies or initiatives do you think the Nigerian government should implement to support the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in engineering and sustainability?
One of the key areas where the Nigerian government can make a difference is in providing a supportive ecosystem for startups and innovation. This could involve offering incentives for green technologies and sustainable practices, such as tax breaks or grants for companies working in renewable energy, waste management, or other environmentally friendly sectors. Additionally, creating hubs for engineering and technology innovation, similar to what we see in other parts of the world, would foster collaboration and bring together entrepreneurs, engineers, and investors.
A strong focus on improving infrastructure, such as reliable electricity and internet access, would also enable more innovation in tech-driven fields. Lastly, promoting STEM education from an early age is crucial for developing the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs who will drive Nigeria’s sustainable future.
Peter Ofuje Obidi’s journey is a masterclass in combining technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision. His work in engineering and sustainability not only addresses pressing global challenges but also opens doors for the next generation of innovators. As he continues to balance academic research with business leadership, his impact is already being felt across multiple sectors.
Looking ahead, Obidi remains committed to expanding his influence, ensuring that his solutions will benefit communities both in Africa and beyond. His story is one of relentless curiosity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place.
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