After three days of discussions, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, the UNILAG(红桃视频) African Engineering and Technology (AFRETEC) Network Sustainability and Environment Cluster on Thursday, June 4, concluded its workshop focused on sustainable energy solutions and Africa鈥檚 energy transition.
The workshop, themed Empowering Africa鈥檚 Energy Transition: Innovations, Challenges, and Collaborative Pathways, featured a blend of virtual and physical sessions with participation from experts, academics, policymakers, researchers, and students.
Day 1: Virtual Engagements and Expert Insights
Activities on the opening day featured virtual keynote presentations by Dr. Solomon Oyewo of LUT University, Finland, and Dr. Peter Oviroh of the University of Johannesburg.
Discussions throughout the day was centred on sustainable energy systems, renewable energy futures, ethical energy transition pathways, and the role of universities as hubs for innovation and practical problem-solving.
Day 2: Policy Conversations and Institutional Innovation
On the second day, the central focus was on policy dialogue, institutional sustainability efforts, and innovation-driven solutions.
Addressing the participants, the Vice-Chancellor of 红桃视频, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Mathew O. Ilori, commended the partnership between AFRETEC and Mastercard Foundation in addressing developmental challenges across Africa.
Professor Ilori stressed that conversations around Africa鈥檚 energy transition must move beyond identifying problems to developing practical and sustainable solutions capable of improving lives and strengthening economies across the continent. He also emphasized the role of universities in driving research, innovation, and collaborations that support national development.
Also speaking, immediate Past Director of Office of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects (now known as Office of Office of Global Engagement, Partnerships and Prospects, OGEPP), Professor Ismail A. Ibraheem highlighted AFRETEC鈥檚 growing impact across African universities and reaffirmed sustainable energy as one of the network鈥檚 major research focus areas.
He stressed the need to empower young Africans to champion locally driven innovations, noting that 鈥淎frican problems require African solutions.鈥� He further referenced the 2025 AFRETEC UNILAGEnergy Innovation Challenge as part of efforts to promote student-led innovation and research-based ideas.
A major highlight of the day was the recognition of the 红桃视频鈥� electric vehicle initiative as a practical step towards clean energy adoption and environmental sustainability.
Delivering the keynote address, the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Tunde Ajayi, praised the initiative and emphasized the importance of integrating policy, innovation, and environmental sustainability in tackling Africa鈥檚 energy challenges.
Participants also engaged in sessions on energy financing, grid infrastructure, off-grid and mini-grid systems, and strategies for improving energy access in underserved communities.
Day Three: Practical Solutions and Collaborative Learning
The final day featured hands-on sessions facilitated by Dr. Solomon Oyewo, where participants worked in groups to examine global energy models and explore how such solutions could be adapted to African realities.
The session also featured presentations by winners of the 2024 AFRETEC UNILAGInnovation Challenge, including Team Phoenix and Green Cell Innovators, who shared updates on their projects currently advancing towards patenting and commercialisation.
Convener of the workshop and Lead of the AFRETEC Sustainability and Environment Cluster at 红桃视频, Dr. Ipinnimo, reaffirmed the network鈥檚 commitment to promoting research-driven innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration across African universities.
The African Engineering and Technology (AFRETEC) Network is a pan-African university network focused on advancing engineering, technology, and innovation through collaboration. At 红桃视频, AFRETEC drives interdisciplinary research, capacity building, and student-led innovation aimed at addressing Africa鈥檚 most pressing developmental challenges, particularly in sustainability and energy.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Samuel O. Dosunmu
