Solution-oriented research needed to solve Nigeria’s renewable energy challenges —Experts

DIRECTOR, Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law (CPEEL), University of Ibadan, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, along with other experts have challenged academics in Nigerian universities to pursue research projects targeted at developing homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s challenges in the development of the country’s renewable energy space.

Adenikinju was one of the speakers at CPEEL’s International Roundtable Dialogue with the topic: “Reflections on Global Environmental and Energy Issues: Challenges and Opportunities and Implications for Nigeria,” held on Monday at the centre.
The aim of the roundtable was to bring together Nigerian international experts in the field of environmental and energy studies to speak on their areas of specialty as it relates to the environment and energy nexus, highlight the various academic and research opportunities that exist in the area and draw on international practices.

Speakers included Professor Akin Iwayemi, Principal Investigator at CPEEL; Dr Rhuks Temitope Ako, a Senior Fellow at Institute of Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development, Afe Babalola University, and Mr Mohammed Omotola, Programme Officer, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

It was roundly agreed at the dialogue that there was the need for further research into renewable energy solutions that were unique to Nigeria’s indigenous energy ecosystem. It was noted that the world’s energy trajectory has changed irretrievably towards low-carbon economy, and Nigeria must not be left out.

In line with the above, Professor Adenikinju urged Nigerian academics to do “solution-oriented research” by using a “citizen science” approach wherein the targeted end users are the drivers of the research process and not the researchers themselves.
“It is important that we have research into the micro and macro issues in our energy sector. There has been much talk from the country’s energy institutions, but very little action,” Professor Iwayemi said.

He added that there was a need for research “that solved problems” instead of Masters and PhD students “looking for the easy way out” when doing their research work. He also called for collaboration between politicians and academics when putting together development plans.

Speaking about waste-to-wealth initiatives deemed to be too expensive in Nigeria, Dr Ako said, “We need to find solutions that are suitable for our environment,” noting that in countries like the United Kingdom such initiatives were inexpensive.
Omotola, however, pointed out that Nigeria had a lot to learn from developed countries in energy development. He supported further research drive saying, “we have the brains and skillset for this.”