The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED) at the University of Nigeria has awarded N12 million in seed research grants to twelve student groups. These students demonstrated innovative ideas with a focus on sustainable energy and power development, earning them N1 million each to develop prototypes within six months.
Among the standout projects selected for funding are fixed and mobile solar power stations for shops and events, a hydro-thermal generator pressure varying (HTPV-G) system, and a hand-held watermelon ripeness detector for Nigerian farmers. Other projects include portable solar generators and bioethanol production from agro-waste.
Speaking at the grant award ceremony, Professor Emenike Ejiogu, Director of ACE-SPED, emphasized the grants' role in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer in sustainable energy. He urged the students to demonstrate their potential, highlighting ACE-SPED's commitment to facilitating the commercialization of their ideas through engagement with industrial partners.
The selection process was rigorous, with over 30 applications received from student research and innovation groups. The chosen 12 groups, comprising students from various departments and academic levels, were selected for their potential impact and success. Prof. Ejiogu called on government and private sector stakeholders to prioritize investment in research and innovation within higher education institutions, citing their crucial role in Nigeria's economic development.
