PTDF Challenges Universities to Turn Research Into Products That Can Make Money

(PTDF. Photo by Head Topics)
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) says it wants Nigerian universities to do more than publish research.

Its Executive Secretary, Prof. Shua'ibu Aliyu, made the call at the close-out ceremony of the PTDF Professional Chair in Renewable Energy at the University of Benin, Benin City, on Thursday.

He was represented by Ereh Iyalla, Head of the Gas Division.

Aliyu said research should lead to technology that can be tested, adopted by industry and sold commercially.

He praised the seminar theme, "Agrowaste to Fuel: Biodiesel Development, Opportunities and Challenges for Youth Employment in the 21st Century," as timely.

He said turning farm waste into biodiesel could help energy supply, waste management, entrepreneurship and jobs for young people.

The chairholder, Prof. Kensington Obahiagbaon, said dependence on fossil diesel causes both emissions and energy insecurity.

He said Nigeria's biodiesel sector needs government support such as tax incentives, subsidies and infrastructure investment, as well as private sector funding and expertise.

He identified poor roads, storage and refineries, and an unstable supply of feedstock such as vegetable oils and animal fats, as major challenges.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Edoba Omoregie SAN thanked the PTDF for choosing the university and said its Faculty of Engineering is known for excellence.