The Faculty of Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, has officially launched the ABU Energy Innovation Challenge (ABUEIC), a bold initiative designed to tackle the university’s persistent energy challenges. The launch event took place on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, at the ACENPEE Smart Classroom.

ABUEIC is a university-wide programme that seeks practical, homegrown clean energy solutions from students, staff, and alumni. Its aim is to reduce energy costs, minimise diesel dependence, and strengthen renewable energy integration on campus.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. J.M. Kaura, described ABU as a home of innovation, noting the huge potential within the university to provide lasting energy solutions. He also highlighted the high cost of electricity bills as a pressing concern the challenge hopes to address.

Chairman of ABUEIC, Dr. A.S. Abdulrasheed, traced the idea to 2018 when he revived the Kainji Dam Model project, securing a TETFUND grant. He expressed that ABU’s long history with Kainji inspired him to create ABUEIC and stressed the importance of addressing Africa’s energy gap, with over 600 million people still lacking access to electricity.

Other speakers, including the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Sahalu B. Junaidu, former Dean of Engineering, Prof. I.A. Dabo, Dean of Life Sciences, Prof. Maryam Aminu, and Director of CBN Centre for Economics and Finance, Prof. Auwal Haruna, all commended the initiative and pledged their support.

The ABU Energy Innovation Challenge is now set to provide a platform for innovative minds within the university to design solutions that will not only power ABU but also serve as a model for sustainable energy in Nigeria and Africa at large.