The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has reaffirmed his party’s commitment to ensuring energy sufficiency for homes and businesses, describing it as vital for economic growth and the well-being of Nigerians.
Speaking at the inauguration of the World Bank-assisted Core Building of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Ganduje, represented by the former Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, highlighted the critical role of energy in national development.
“The national development plan is crystalizing under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, with energy as a focal point for sustainable human and economic growth,” he said.
Ganduje lauded ACE-SPED for addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges and praised its director, Professor Emenike Ejiogu, for his leadership. He noted that Prof. Ejiogu led the team that secured a $6 million grant for the center and further grants exceeding $500,000.
“I commend the exceptional vision and leadership of Professor Ejiogu. Projects like this are vital for repositioning our nation for the betterment of citizens,” Ganduje added.
Chairman of the UNN Governing Council, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), expressed optimism that ACE-SPED’s efforts would help tackle the university’s power crisis and reduce high electricity costs.
“I am confident that the ACE-SPED team will provide solutions to the energy challenges facing UNN and Sub-Saharan Africa,” Nwachukwu said.
Professor Ejiogu, in his remarks, highlighted ACE-SPED’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. The new facility features a high-tech Materials Characterisation Laboratory, a 3D Electronics Prototyping Lab, and a Centre for Competence in Digital Education (C-CoDE).
“At ACE-SPED, we are dedicated to addressing energy challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa through economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions,” Ejiogu said. He also expressed gratitude to the World Bank, African Development Fund (ADF), and the National Universities Commission (NUC) for their support.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Professor Polycarp Chigbu, praised ACE-SPED as a symbol of excellence in energy research. He noted the center’s progress in developing innovative biomass waste-to-energy systems.
“ACE-SPED’s achievements are remarkable and will help UNN reduce dependence on conventional energy providers,” Chigbu stated.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions, with ACE-SPED poised to lead innovative research and drive the global energy transition.
