ACE-SPED to Inaugurate Core Building in UNN

Inauguration Highlights: Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions

The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED), located at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), is set to inaugurate its Core Building on December 19, 2024. This event marks a significant milestone in the Centre’s mission to address power and energy challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Core Building boasts cutting-edge facilities, including an Ultra High-Tech Materials Characterisation Laboratory, a 3-D Innovative Electronics Prototyping Laboratory, and the Centre for Competence in Digital Education (CCDE) Ultra Modern Studio. These installations underscore ACE-SPED’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in energy research and education.

Director’s Vision: Empowering Research and Industry Collaboration

According to Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, the Director and Centre Leader of ACE-SPED at UNN, the mandate of the Centre is to provide sustainable solutions to power and energy challenges specific to Sub-Saharan Africa through impactful educational research initiatives.

Prof. Ejiogu highlighted the installation of a state-of-the-art Axia ChemiSEM Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), emphasizing that this equipment aligns with the Centre’s sustainability objectives. “While our staff and students will benefit from the capabilities of the equipment, we are also open to collaborating with researchers and other entities,” he stated.

The SEM machine offers researchers and industries the opportunity to conduct analyses within Nigeria, reducing the financial burden of outsourcing such services overseas. Prof. Ejiogu noted, “This advancement eliminates the need to spend substantial amounts of dollars abroad for similar analyses.”

The Axia ChemiSEM was supplied by Katchey Company Limited, a Dealer Partner of Thermo Fisher Scientific. Prof. Ejiogu expressed gratitude to Katchey Company Limited for their collaboration and commitment to providing after-sales support services to ensure optimal usage of the equipment.

Prof. Ejiogu outlined the diverse range of programs being offered at ACE-SPED, designed to equip students and professionals with the skills needed to drive sustainable energy development. These include:

M.Eng/M.Sc and Ph.D in Renewable and New Energy
M.Eng/M.Sc and Ph.D in Power Engineering
M.Eng/M.Sc and Ph.D in Sustainable Energy Materials Engineering
M.Eng/M.Sc and Ph.D in Industrial Electronics and Power Devices
M.Eng/M.Sc and Ph.D in Control and Instrumentation Engineering
M.Eng/M.Sc and Ph.D in Energy Policy, Regulation, and Management
M.Eng/M.Sc and Ph.D in Engineering Design and Product Development
M.Sc and Ph.D in Management of Technology and Innovation
Professional Diploma in Additive Manufacturing (3-D Printing) Technology

The inauguration ceremony will be hosted by Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, with the Acting Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, serving as the Chief Host. This event underscores the Centre’s dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions and promoting collaboration between academia and industry.

“The inauguration of the ACE-SPED Core Building represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s quest for energy independence. By leveraging world-class facilities and fostering partnerships, we aim to empower the next generation of energy leaders and drive innovation across Sub-Saharan Africa.”

With its advanced infrastructure and comprehensive academic programs, ACE-SPED at UNN is poised to become a leading hub for sustainable energy research and development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The upcoming inauguration ceremony promises to highlight the Centre’s contributions to addressing regional energy challenges and fostering technological innovation.