Onu calls for intensified research, inspect made in Nigeria 500 KVA gasification plant
By Charles Okonji
In his quest for rapid industrialization, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has called on universities, and all tertiary institutions in the country to intensify efforts towards Research and Development in critical areas of science that can positively impact human life.
Onu made this call on Wednesday, at University of Nigeria, Nsukka while inspecting the made in Nigeria 500 KVA gasification plant manufactured from organic waste for electric power generation.
Commending the innovation, he noted that the key invention came at a time when Nigeria is gearing up to actualize her dream of being an industrialized nation.
He said, “I was convinced that in the nearest future, the innovation will be patronized by individuals, captain of industries, the Organised Private Sector (OPS), Nigerian government and foreigners.”
The Minister noted that it was important for the key innovation, to be inputted into schools engineering curriculum, saying that will improve youthful participation in STI (Science, Technology and Innovation) entrepreneurship.
“ I encourage the establishment of multi-disciplinary teams of students to focus on generating electricity for off-grid and under-served locations in the country. This will attract many youths as entrepreneurs in the energy sector,”.
The Minister further said that his Ministry will cooperate with the University on this laudable achievement, adding that the innovation is of great value to the nation especially in terms of environmental protection, waste management and wealth creation.
He said, “This innovation has the great potential to help eliminate waste dumps in towns and cities in our dear country. This will help to create jobs and wealth, generate electricity to power our industrialization drive and help us clean our towns and cities so as to protect and preserve our environment.”
“The Ministry’s collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, have developed and are at the implementing phase of the National Methanol Fuel Policy, which is aimed at reducing gas flaring, improving electricity and adding value to Nigeria’s immense gas reserves.
“The Federal Government has decided to fund Science, Technology and Innovation with 0.5% of the annual budget, which is in line with the latest AU (African Union) resolution on the development of Science and Technology in Africa.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Vice Chancellor UNN, Prof. Charles lgwe commended the Minister’s immense love and support for the school, especially in the various federal government intervention programmes the university has benefited from.
Igwe called for government support to enable institution commercialise this innovation.
The director and team leader of the innovation, Prof. Emenike Ejiogu noted that the invention was researched and manufactured in Nigeria with all the raw materials locally sourced.
Gasification technology is the conversion of organic solid waste to gas which can be used to generate power and others, explaining that the gasification plant of the University is of Global standard.
