Renewable energy key to addressing nation’s dev – Prof. Nasirudeen
|By Musa Ishaq
Professor Nasirudeen Mohammed Baba, a professor of industrial chemistry in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), has called on governments to shift their focus to renewable energy to address the nation’s socio-economic development.
According to Baba, this move, if it is made, would diversify the nation’s economy and reduce current dependence on petroleum products.
Baba dwelt on the benefits of coal, biomass and feedstocks, opining that the utilisation of agro wastes, specifically cassava, to produce high quality industrial products in line with the waste-to-wealth programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria can enhance the use of modern technology and generate wealth for the economy.
He said: ”The conversion of biomass, such as turning organic waste into methane, is gaining more attention as a viable and eco-friendly energy source.”
Baba spoke while delivering his professorial inaugural address, the 21st in FULafia.
The address was titled: “Dirty Stone and Biomass: Feedstocks for Sustainable Energy and Industrial Chemicals.”
The event was held at the MIS Multi-Purpose Hall, Permanent Site Campus of the University.
He said that “energy is crucial for the positive effects on socio-economic development, industrial growth, and national security.”
He lamented that the use of “coal and biomass to diversify Nigeria’s energy and industrial chemical sectors has not received proper attention.”
He expressed his concern that the lack of interest in research coupled with more attention given to imported petroleum and industrial chemicals by local industries hinder the use of renewable energy.
Prof. Baba said that for Nigeria to join the league of industrialised nations, governments “need to increase their efforts in implementing waste-to-wealth initiatives to support industrial development, alleviate poverty and enhance environmental sustainability.”
He also urged governments and other stakeholders to intervene and resuscitate the moribund Ajaokuta steel plant and other related industries such as Kwashir Coal in Obi LGA, Nasarawa State, to develop the country’s economy and generate jobs for teeming unemployed youths.
Baba advised FULafia’s departments of chemistry, geology and Centre for Energy Studies to collaborate with the Energy Commission of Nigeria to enhance technology for sustainable economic growth through research and development.
Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, congratulated Baba for presenting his inaugural lecture from the Department of Chemistry in the University.
Abdul Rahman, while applauding Baba for his contributions in the field of industrial chemistry, described him “as very hard-working and has the driving spirit for excellence.”
Welcoming participants to the occasion, Prof. Josephine Odey, the Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee of the University, said that Baba’s contributions to the body of knowledge has not only added value to his students but to the nation at large.
The lecture was attended by well-wishers and dignitaries including the Osuko of Obi, Chairman Obi Local Government Traditional Council, HRH, Alh. Aliyu Dangiwa Ogiri Orume, Emir of Bauchi, HRH, Alhaji (Dr) Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu,represented by Wakilin Tarihin Bauchi,(Head of History and Research) Bauchi Emirate Council, Alhaji A. D. Garba, the Long Gamai of Shendam, HRH, Miskoom Martins Shaldas, represented by the Ubandoman Shendam, Alhaji Yakubu Othman, the Grand Khadi of Plateau State, Hon. Justice Umar Ibrahim, Madakin Lafia, Alhaji Isiaka Dauda, Dangaladiman Lafia, Alhaji Dahiru Othman Abdullahi, Majidadin Bauchi, Alhaji (Dr)Ahmad Adamu Ambi, Engr. Adamu Haruna Ibrahim, Alhaji Usman Balarabe Kubau, Dallatun Kubau, Madam Albina Mamdam, Madam Christiana Gotip, Pharm. Dr. Usman D. Sambo, Mr. Martin Audu Doma, and Rev. Fr. Christopher Omaku.
The occasion climaxed with the presentation of certificate, plaque and gift to Baba by Abdul Rahman.