The University of Ibadan (UI), located in Ibadan, Oyo State, has introduced an innovative crop dryer and smart irrigation system to increase national food security and productivity.
The Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development and the University’s Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics, and Law collaborated on the project.
Peaking at the unveiling event in Ibadan, themed “Concept to Community: Scalable Energy Solutions for Rural and Off-Grid Sustainable Development,” the Director of CPEEL, Prof. Olugbenga Falode, emphasised the vital role of innovation and technology in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges.
He disclosed that his team has developed several tailored energy technology solutions, such as IoT-enabled solar irrigation, IoT-enabled solar dryer, smart meter, biogasifiers, smart microgrids integrated with renewable energy, etc., specifically designed to improve energy access and efficiency in rural areas.
Falode stated that CPEEL’s partnership with the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development is essential, as it brings valuable expertise in community structures, behavioural change, and participatory engagement.
According to him, the collaboration is to ensure that energy solutions move beyond laboratories and policy papers to make a real impact in fields, farms, and homes.
He emphasised, “Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Sadly, that golden thread remains broken in many rural communities.
“Today, over 640 million Africans lack access to electricity, with the continent’s access rate just above 40%—the lowest globally. In sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa), per capita energy consumption is only 180 kWh, compared to 13,000 kWh in the U.S. and 6,500 kWh in Europe.
“More than 80% of those without power live in rural, off-grid regions and rely on biomass for cooking, which has serious health, environmental, and economic consequences.”
In his address, the Head of Department, Prof. Stella O. Odebode, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration. She stressed that the partnership between CPEEL and the Department is essential to ensure the successful deployment and adoption of these solutions within rural farming communities.
According to her, agricultural extension services are critical in bridging the gap between technology developers and end users. Also, Prof. O.B. Oyesola of AERD presented an audit report for the Ajebandele community to support the planning and deploying sustainable energy solutions.
In his keynote, Engr. Adebayo Ige, CEO/MD of IESL, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability as a strategic partner in community-driven energy development. He acknowledged Dr. Diran Fawibe, Chairman of IESL, for his leadership in aligning engineering with social impact.
Engr. Ige highlighted IESL’s N10 million annual grant to the Centre to support locally driven energy solutions.
He emphasised the importance of empowering local talent and scaling innovations like solar mini-grids and hybrid systems through stronger collaboration with research institutions, governments, and communities, ensuring solutions are user-focused, locally owned, and sustainable.
In their words, the trio of Prof. Akin Iwayemi, Principal Investigator of CPEEL; Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, the President of the Nigerian Economic Society and co-PI of CPEEL; and the former Director of CPEEL, Prof. O.E. Olubusoye, while speaking, hinted on the importance of investment in research and the need for collaboration between town and gown to be able to proffer solutions to the myriad of problems confronting Nigeria as country, saying the vision of CPEEL is to bridge the gap between industry and academics by training energy professionals with the sole aim of finding a lasting solution to energy poverty in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Speaking on behalf of the technical team, Dr. Kehinde Bewaji underlined how the initiatives on display have the potential to improve agricultural output and lower energy poverty among farmers in rural areas. To overcome technological obstacles, experts at the event commended the initiative and urged greater cooperation between communities and academia.
They called on the centre to strengthen its ties with policymakers and maintain its position as a leader in energy research.
Under the direction of Prof. O.A. Falode, the team consisted of Engr. Tekhukoroh, Engr. Kamara, Dr. Bewaji, and Dr. Akinsanoye.
In addition to thanking the audience, Dr. Princess Nwankwo reiterated the Centre’s dedication to community-driven energy solutions and echoed Prof. Adenikinju’s appeal for sustainable, inclusive growth.
