LASU don offers panacea to fuel crises
A Professor of Physics, Department of Physics, faculty of Science, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, Adenike Boyo has urged the Federal Government to partner private industry to invest on solar energy research in order to find a lasting solution to incessant fuel crises raging the country.
The first female Professor of Physics gave this recommendation, while delivering the 65th inaugural lecture of the University titled: The Burning and Shining Light at the Main Auditorium of LASU.
According to her, government, being the main regulatory body in the country has an important role to play in promoting renewable energy in the country; thus research should be facilitated towards clean energy, utilities and generation.
She also said there should be a government policy and legislation on solar energy.
Her words: “The German government is paying back its citizens because most of the houses in Germany are solar powered and the solar energy is also connected to the grid, so, there is enough energy supply thus the government is paying back its citizens, but the reverse is the case in Nigeria as the citizens are the ones paying back to government”.
“Government should empower researchers by providing funds especially grants. Also government should develop a similar initiative to encourage energy users to opt for solar energy potential and its development for sustainable energy, while creating awareness to educate Nigerians of the numerous benefits of accepting solar energy alternative not just for them as individuals and for the world in general”, she said.
Boyo equally noted that there is the need for government to invest in technology through setting up of power institution as well as to encourage the technology company to develop Nigeria power generation competency and as well provide sustainable power for people.
“The government can also encourage independent electricity generation through solar panels by providing more incentives for consumers and suppliers who choose to invest in this course. Government subsidies will also help in the importation of solar panels and other equipments that cannot be manufactured locally”, she said.
She noted further that the sun is abundant in Nigeria and it is the solution to growing energy challenges in the country, since it is abundant, inexhaustible and environmentally friendly stressing that the availability of energy services has a distinct impact on the lives of people.
“The availability of renewable energy will have a direct impact for the development of rural and urban sectors by the provision of numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians, changing our economy from consuming to creating and providing Nigerians with the possibility to commercialise usage of solar energy resources”, she said.
The expenses in the provision of solar panels because they are not manufactured, they have to be imported into the country and also importing the right panels, limited funds, investment from industry.
Esther Taiwo
