The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening research, innovation and human capital development in Nigerian universities, urging researchers to focus on practical solutions to national and industry challenges.
The Executive Secretary of PTDF, Prof. Shua’ibu Aliyu, stated this on Thursday at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, during the close-out ceremony of the PTDF Professional Chair in Renewable Energy.
Aliyu, who was represented by the Head of Gas Division at PTDF, Ereh Iyalla, said research institutions must develop practical and commercially viable solutions in renewable energy and emerging technologies as Nigeria’s energy landscape continues to evolve.
He described the seminar theme, “Agrowaste to Fuel: Biodiesel Development, Opportunities and Challenges for Youth Employment in the 21st Century,” as timely and relevant to Nigeria’s efforts to promote sustainable energy, protect the environment, diversify the economy and create jobs for young people.
Aliyu said: “The focus on converting agricultural waste into biodiesel demonstrates the potential of research and innovation to transform challenges into opportunities.
“Beyond providing an alternative energy source, such innovations can support waste management, entrepreneurship, local technology development and employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
“As Nigeria’s energy landscape continues to evolve, there is a growing need for research institutions to develop practical and commercially viable solutions in renewable energy and other emerging technologies.
“We therefore encourage researchers to ensure that research outcomes move beyond academic publications to technology development, demonstration, industry adoption and commercialisation.”
The Chairholder of the PTDF Chair in Renewable Energy at UNIBEN, Prof. Kensington Obahiagbaon, who delivered the lecture, said the global dependence on fossil diesel had created challenges relating to greenhouse gas emissions and energy insecurity.
He noted that the global energy crisis, climate change and the growing burden of waste management had made the conversion of agricultural waste into fuel an important pathway for the 21st century.
According to him, using agricultural waste as a feedstock for biodiesel production aligns with the principles of the circular economy.
Obahiagbaon outlined the opportunities, challenges and roadmap for developing biodiesel in Nigeria, identifying government support through tax incentives, subsidies and infrastructure investment as critical to the sector’s growth.
He also stressed the importance of private-sector investment in bridging funding gaps and providing the technology and expertise required for large-scale production.
However, he identified inadequate infrastructure, including roads, storage facilities and refineries, as major obstacles. He also highlighted the need for a stable and sustainable supply of feedstock, such as vegetable oils and animal fats.
Obahiagbaon said Nigeria’s prospects in biodiesel production would depend not only on the availability of technology and raw materials but also on effective organisation, investment and coordinated action.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, attended the workshop alongside other principal officers of the university.
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Omoregie expressed appreciation to PTDF for selecting UNIBEN as a beneficiary of the initiative, noting that the university’s Faculty of Engineering was known for excellence.
He described UNIBEN as a leading institution and emphasised the importance of renewable energy to national development.
The vice-chancellor assured PTDF that the university would continue to value the partnership and maximise the opportunities it offers.
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