Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has called for stronger collaboration between government, universities and industry to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to clean energy and turn scientific research into practical solutions.

The call was made by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, at the second International Green Hydrogen Summit hosted at ABUAD. She stressed that progress would require sustained investment in research, effective policies, industrial innovation and a skilled workforce.

A key development discussed at the summit was a proposed Green Energy Hub at ABUAD, being developed through collaboration involving CrossAfrique Hydrogen Limited, industrial partners and Germany’s development agency, GIZ.

According to CrossAfrique CEO Joshua Dauda, the project is expected to begin with a solar photovoltaic system to help power the university and a hydrogen classroom for research, demonstrations and professional training. The initiative is also intended to build local expertise in hydrogen technology and provide a model that other educational institutions could potentially adopt.

The summit also highlighted Nigeria’s wider clean energy ambitions. The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said the country was targeting a power system driven largely by solar energy and storage by 2060, with green hydrogen expected to support backup power and help reduce emissions from heavy industries. He noted that Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity stood at approximately 2,638 megawatts in 2024, despite its significant solar, hydropower, wind and biomass resources.

However, stakeholders identified several barriers to progress, including dependence on imported solar equipment, inadequate grid infrastructure, limited access to finance and shortages of skilled workers. Addressing these challenges will require investment not only in technology but also in local manufacturing, infrastructure and workforce development.