A Professor of Renewable Energy in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Baba Alfa, has emphasized the critical role energy plays in fostering development, describing it as catalyst for development.

He made this known as the distinguished Inaugural Lecturer for the University’s 23rd Inaugural Lecture Series titled, “Physics: Our Science, Our Technology, Our Property,” held at the University Auditorium in Lapai.

Professor Alfa highlighted that energy is fundamental to the production of goods and services, noting that fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—have powered human civilization from the industrial revolution to the present day. He stated that the world possesses ample energy resources to meet ongoing demands and that there are technical solutions available to convert these resources into usable forms.

He, however, pointed out that the real challenge lies in expanding energy supply at a low cost, a challenge that was crucial in the development of industrialized nations.

The Inaugural Lecturer argued that the primary barrier to prosperity for less developed countries is not the lack of access to low-cost energy resources such as oil, gas, and coal. Instead, it is the high environmental costs associated with their extraction, or the high costs of advanced fossil fuel technologies designed to minimize environmental impact.

He also said the shift to nuclear or renewable energy options poses its own environmental and political challenges.

Professor Alfa underscored that low-cost energy was the cornerstone of the scientific and technological advancements that fueled the industrial revolution in the developed world.

Professor Alfa further identified four key areas were Science and Technology interest as,
Basic Curiosity-Driven Science, applied Science, conventional Low Technology and high Technology.

Professor Alfa noted that many developing countries hesitate to invest in high technology due to the significant resources required for developing low technology, from which high technology eventually evolves.

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Honourable Abdullahi Adamu Mammagi, represented by the Director, Student Affairs, Mrs Joyce Azozo described the 23rd Inaugural Lecture as an opportunity for Physics intellectuals to rehearse and impact science of matter and energy and their interactions.

He appreciated the University Management for always doing the Ministry the honour to always Chair the Lectures.

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, emphasized the essential role of energy in the production of goods and services.

He pointed out that Nigeria, as one of Africa’s fastest-growing populations, has the potential to produce most of its energy needs.

Professor Adamu highlighted Nigeria’s vast, underutilized renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, as well as its significant biomass resources in rural areas, which could serve as alternative power generation methods.

He noted that these resources represent a great potential for growth, development, and industrialization in Nigeria.

The Vice Chancellor enumerated the University’s achievements in research and international collaboration, to include collaboration with Don State University in Moscow, Russia, on international research in science, technology, and education, and with the University of Georgia on agricultural and grazing research. Nationally.

He also said the University collaborates with the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) on indigenous food production and with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council on cashew processing, affirming that the Institution has secured a patent for the invention of grain preservation using Amino Acid Modified Nano-Clays, which is crucial for the nation’s food security.

In a welcome address, the Chairman, Conferences and Seminars Committee,
Professor Victor Are Kolawole, underscored the importance of the lecture topic, particularly in light of Nigeria’s current energy crisis and the growing need for alternative energy sources.

He commended Professor Alfa’s expertise in renewable energy, especially solar energy, describing it as both innovative and vital for the nation’s progress.

Professor Kolawole noted that external reviewers recognized Professor Alfa’s contributions as pivotal in advancing renewable energy in Nigeria and enhancing the understanding of solar energy.

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed gratitude to the Governor of Niger State, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, the Senate, Management, Staff and Students as well as all attendees for their support and presence at the event.