Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, in partnership with LIFEWS Foundation and Oregon State University, USA, is set to hold Nigeria’s first Agrivoltaics Conference from March 26–27, 2025, at the ASUU-UNIZIK Secretariat Complex in Awka.
The event will focus on global sustainable solutions for food and energy security.
This development was made known on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, when the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Management, under the leadership of Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, hosted a delegation from LIFEWS Foundation in preparation for the first Agrivoltaics Conference in Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Kingsley Ikechukwu Agụ, the Agrivoltaics Programme Coordinator in Nigeria, outlined the conference’s objectives, emphasizing its role in fostering enlightenment, stakeholder engagement, and the promotion of agrivoltaics as a sustainable solution for food and energy security.
Dr Agụ noted that this initiative is being driven by Gabriel S. Ayayia, Founder of LIFEWS Foundation, in collaboration with Dr Chad Higgins of Oregon State University in the United States of America, to advance agrivoltaics research, implementation, and sustainable development in Nigeria, fostering innovation in climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy solutions.
During the interaction, Engr. Dr Chidi Nwafor, Southeast Coordinator of the Programme, further highlighted the conference’s objective: to identify entrepreneurial minds, foster cutting-edge research, and harness technological innovations to drive sustainable food production in Nigeria. He assured the team’s commitment to supporting select students and staff through sponsorship opportunities.
Welcoming the delegation, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, appreciated the organisers for taking the lead in the technology revolution in agriculture by advancing research on agrivoltaics.
She stated that COOU is ready to be part of the project and would be willing to work and learn with the LIFEWS Foundation for the betterment of COOU and society at large.
Expressing gratitude to the Agrivoltaics team, the Ag. Vice Chancellor reaffirmed that the foundation of all academic and scientific endeavours must be anchored in practical application rather than theoretical abstraction. She also assured the team of the University’s readiness to provide all required support for the success of the conference.
Other members of the University management who were present at the meeting included Prof. Osita Chiaghanam, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics; Prof. M. O. Ananti, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration; Sir Chris Obi, Registrar; Dr Nath Udezo, Ag. Bursar; and Dr Uche Enweani, the University Ag. Librarian.
Others present were Prof. C. Ugwumba, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Dr C.O. Nwokoye, Manager, COOU Fish Farm; and Rev. Sr. Regina Chukwudozie, Farm Manager, COOU Farms.
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