Why despite Nigeria’s endowments, it still suffers blackouts, rising energy poverty ─ Habeeb Shittu, Nigerian US-based scholar, power engineer

Habeeb Shittu is a Nigerian United States-based scholar and power engineer. He graduated top of his class in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Osun State University and recently completed his master’s degree programme at the North Carolina A&T State University. His work spans power systems, grid architecture, renewable energy integration, blockchain technology, and cybersecurity. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, he speaks about his studies in the US, the Nigerian power sector, among others.

How would you describe your life and career prospects after graduating as the best student in your department at Osun State University in Nigeria? Was the Nigerian labour market fair to your dreams and career aspirations?

Graduating as the best student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Osun State University was a moment of great pride and affirmation. It reinforced my belief in diligence, academic excellence, and purposeful vision. I believed I was ready to contribute meaningfully to national development through power systems design, substation engineering, and smart energy solutions.

However, I quickly encountered a structural mismatch between what I was trained for and what the Nigerian labour market demanded. In truth, Nigeria is not yet a design-heavy economy in the electrical power and energy sector. The focus is largely on maintenance, metering, and reactive troubleshooting, rather than forward-thinking engineering design, modelling, and innovation. This implied that, although I had the skill set to design and build smart energy systems, there were few places where the skills could be exercised. Substation planning, grid architecture, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) integration, and microgrid planning opportunities were outsourced or undercapitalised.

Therefore, I was limited not because of a lack of skills, but because of an ecosystem which has not utilised or invested fully in the design and development side of electrical engineering..

In 2021, you left Nigeria for the United States. What were your reasons for relocating to the US that you cannot actualise in Nigeria? Did you not have faith that Nigeria could make all dreams and aspirations come true?

Leaving Nigeria in 2021 was not an act of abandonment but a strategic step to accelerate my professional development. My decision was anchored in the desire to access world-class research, advanced energy technologies, and cross-disciplinary platforms where engineering converges with data science, automation, and cybersecurity.

Nigeria has great potential, but systemic limitations such as underfunded research institutions, policy instability, and a lag in technology adoption create a bottleneck for someone seeking to engineer at the frontier of innovation. The US was a highly nurturing environment to pursue such dreams. I still believe in Nigeria, but dreams take more than belief ─ they require infrastructure, direction, global exposure, and access to technologies that are not yet the norm in Nigeria. My journey was all about preparing myself to come back in the future and be in a position to contribute more meaningfully.

How did you come to study at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University for your master’s degree programme? Did the university meet your expectations regarding the course you studied?

North Carolina A&T State University stood out to me due to its historic commitment to excellence in engineering, especially in areas aligned with energy systems and smart technologies. I was fortunate to receive both a teaching and research assistantship, which covered my tuition and provided a stipend for living expenses. This financial support made it feasible to pursue my goals without the burden of debt.

Academically, the programme exceeded my expectations. Additionally, the university encouraged interdisciplinary exploration, which led me to acquire skills in cybersecurity and blockchain, which are now shaping the next generation of power systems. The faculty mentorship and access to industry-relevant tools helped bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Tell us about your MSc thesis and the major findings from it. How do you think these findings can impact the Nigerian power sector?

My MSc thesis, ‘Smart supply chain management with attribute-based encryption access control’, focused on securing digital logistics through fine-grained access control. Though centred on supply chains, its relevance to power systems is significant.

In Nigeria, where components like transformers, meters, and cables are procured, transported, and installed through complex networks, securing this data is critical. Applying attribute-based encryption can protect vendor communications, equipment records, and SCADA-related data from cyber threats. This enhances transparency, prevents tampering, and safeguards infrastructure. As Nigeria moves toward smart grids and renewable integration, my research offers a scalable model for protecting the digital backbone of the power sector.

One of your areas of expertise is energy security. Do you think Nigeria is enjoying energy security?

Energy security is the pillar of contemporary civilisation. Energy security helps guarantee a power supply that is sustainable, accessible, affordable, and reliable in the event of external shocks or local issues. Energy security is not merely having power today but guaranteeing it tomorrow too.

Nigeria is, nonetheless, experiencing energy insecurity. Despite its abundance of natural endowment, the nation has grown accustomed to regular blackouts, unreliable and irregular grid connections, and rising energy poverty. This is due to under-investment in infrastructure, reliance on centralised power production, lack of energy storage units, and ineffective regulation. Political interference and a lack of transparency in data further complicate the problem.

Energy security in Nigeria can only be attained by embracing a multi-pronged approach of integration of renewables, grid modernisation, institution building, and involving the private sector more intensively in power generation and supply.

How would you describe power systems using the Nigerian power sector as a reference? As someone who has been in the US for some time now, what three things should Nigeria emulate from the US power systems to make power more available to households and industries?

A power system is an intricate network comprising generation stations, transmission lines, substations, distribution lines, and control mechanisms. In Nigeria, this system is plagued by inefficiencies at nearly every node. Generation is insufficient, transmission suffers losses, and distribution is largely unmonitored. In contrast, the US power systems leverage automation, real-time analytics, and decentralised energy management to ensure reliability and efficiency.

Nigeria can benefit immensely by emulating the US in three practices: Smart grid deployment using real-time SCADA systems and fault detection technologies; investment in microgrids for community-level resilience, especially in off-grid areas; and enforcement of regulatory standards that compel distribution companies to meet service obligations while empowering consumers through data transparency and alternative energy choices.

These reforms, if properly adapted, would enhance grid stability and public confidence.

Bola Tinubu recently took over as the president of Nigeria. What advice would you give him and his Minister of Power on how to make electricity steady and accessible to all Nigerians?

President Bola Tinubu and the power minister must first proclaim access to power a national emergency and address it as a priority economic issue.

I would recommend that they make the reawakening of infrastructure top priority by employing special intervention funds to upgrade the transmission and distribution infrastructure. Secondly, the government must offer incentives to independent power producers and explore regulatory reforms that enable speedy licensing for sellers of renewable energy. Third, invest in human capital by establishing a national training programme for electrical engineers, technicians, and smart grid analysts.

There should also be the establishment of a National Energy Data Centre to gather, analyse, and share real-time grid performance data.

In some countries, electricity is supplied in different bands to consumers. Would you recommend this kind of arrangement for Nigerians? Could such an arrangement develop the power sector?

Electricity banding, where customers are classified based on supply hours or consumption levels, can be beneficial if implemented fairly. In principle, it introduces a pay-as-you-benefit model, encouraging conservation and improving cost recovery for distribution companies.

However, in Nigeria, several preconditions must be met for it to work, such as accurate metering, transparent billing systems, and a robust grievance resolution mechanism. Without these, such policies risk deepening distrust and inequality. That said, banding can incentivise investments in reliable areas while subsidising underserved regions. Over time, if paired with infrastructure upgrades and digital billing systems, it can drive sector reform, reduce illegal connections, and create a more equitable and efficient power distribution framework.

The current Nigerian power situation requires an urgent innovative renewable energy integration. Between the government and the private sector, who is best suited to lead this innovation?

Nigeria must adopt a multi-layered strategy that balances immediate energy needs with long-term sustainability goals. This includes streamlining renewable energy licensing and permits, offering tax holidays or grants to local solar panel manufacturers, establishing national incentives for rooftop solar adoption, and integrating renewable microgrids into rural electrification schemes. Battery storage systems should also be prioritised to balance supply fluctuations.

While the private sector is more agile and technologically equipped to lead these innovations, the government must serve as the enabler. This includes setting clear targets, eliminating bureaucratic red tape, and partnering with multilateral agencies for technical and financial support.

As a power expert, which kind of investment would you recommend that would improve the power situation in Nigeria and make electricity cheaper?

Investments should focus on two strategic pillars ─ modernisation of distribution infrastructure and promotion of decentralised energy systems. Upgrading transformers, replacing old conductors, and automating grid monitoring through SCADA can drastically reduce technical and commercial losses. Simultaneously, channelling investment into solar mini-grids and hybrid systems in underserved communities will reduce reliance on diesel generators and cut costs for end-users. Furthermore, deploying smart metering across urban centres will enhance revenue assurance and consumer engagement.

These investments not only improve reliability but also attract private capital, reduce tariff pressures, and create jobs in installation, maintenance, and energy auditing services.

Your profile states that you have certifications in cybersecurity and blockchain technology. Do these certifications have direct relevance or impact on your career as an electrical engineer?

Absolutely. Power grids and cybersecurity must intersect in the aftermath of digitised energy. The new energy systems, ranging from smart meters to SCADA systems to the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, are so open to cyberattacks. My CompTIA Security+ and blockchain certifications endow me with the skills to detect, prevent, and react to these attacks.

Blockchain provides an additional layer of utility. It can be utilised to authenticate energy transactions, monitor asset usage, and even schedule maintenance with smart contracts. These certifications fill the knowledge gap between established electrical engineering and new digital infrastructure, allowing me to better qualify as a designer of secure, innovative energy systems. I am also involved in research and publication, bridging my certifications and electrical power systems.

Now that you are done with your master’s degree programme, what is next for you? Where do you see yourself and your career in five years?

While a PhD is definitely in my long-term plan, my immediate focus is to gain deeper, hands-on experience in electrical power system design and implementation within the US industries. I want to immerse myself in real-world projects involving substation engineering, smart grid deployment, and SCADA integration, all of which are pivotal for shaping resilient energy infrastructure. This practical exposure will not only sharpen my technical acumen but also help me identify critical gaps that need academic investigation.

In five years, I see myself transitioning into a PhD programme with a rich foundation of industry insights, allowing me to conduct research that is not only innovative but also grounded in practical utility and global relevance.

What advice would you offer Nigerians aspiring to study or work in the United States?

My advice is simple ─ prepare purposefully and aim boldly. Understand that success in the US demands more than qualifications. It requires adaptability, resilience, and a global mindset.

Apply for scholarships, build a portfolio that reflects your passions, and develop soft skills like communication, time management, and networking. Once here, immerse yourself in learning, find mentors, and contribute meaningfully to your academic and professional communities.

Stay grounded in your identity and do not forget why you started. Use the opportunity not just for personal elevation, but to become a conduit for change, bringing back ideas, technologies, and leadership capacity to help build a stronger Nigeria.

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