{
  "id": 14882857,
  "title": "PTDF urges varsities to commercialise renewable energy research",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/ptdf-urges-varsities-to-commercialise-renewable-energy-research",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T05:52:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/ptdf-urges-varsities-to-commercialise-renewable-energy-research/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has called upon universities to convert research findings into practical, commercially viable technologies aimed at tackling Nigeria's energy issues. Prof. Shua’ibu Shehu Aliyu, Executive Secretary of PTDF, addressed this during the conclusion of the PTDF Professorial Chair in Renewable Energy at UNIBEN, Edo State. He emphasized that research institutions must move from publishing academic papers to developing technology, demonstrating its practical application, industry adoption, and commercialization. Aliyu provided the example of converting agricultural waste into biodiesel, illustrating how research and innovation can transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities, while also promoting waste management, entrepreneurship, local technology development, and job creation for young Nigerians. He highlighted that the changing energy landscape demands the development of practical and commercially viable solutions in renewable energy and other emerging technologies, urging universities and researchers to build on the successes achieved under the Professorial Chair and maintain the partnerships and innovations fostered through the program. PTDF reaffirmed its dedication to supporting research, innovation, technological advancement, and the development of indigenous human resources for Nigeria's energy sector. Prof Kessington Obahiagbaon, in his presentation, pointed out that fossil diesel's global dependence has led to twin problems of greenhouse gas emissions and energy insecurity. He noted that climate change, energy crises, and waste management problems have made agro-waste to fuel a crucial avenue for the 21st century. Regarding the challenges and future direction of biodiesel development in Nigeria, Obahiagbaon stressed the importance of feedstock availability and cost stability for a consistent and affordable supply.",
  "summary": "The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has urged universities to translate research findings into practical solutions and commercially viable technologies to address the country’s energy challenges. Prof. Shua’ibu Shehu Aliyu, PTDF Executive Secretary, represented by Ereh Iyalla, Head Gas Division, made the call at the close-out seminar of the PTDF Professorial Chair in Renewable Energy…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}