{
  "id": 14963001,
  "title": "PTDF Reaffirms Continuous Funding For Research Projects in Varsities",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/ptdf-reaffirms-continuous-funding-for-research-projects-in-varsities",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T13:07:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/10/16/ptdf-reaffirms-continuous-funding-for-research-projects-in-varsities/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Prof. Shua’ibu Shehu Aliyu, has reaffirmed the Fund's dedication to supporting research, innovation, and human capital development in Nigerian universities. Speaking at the University of Benin, Aliyu emphasized that PTDF aims to foster academic excellence while addressing real national and industry challenges through research.\n\nAliyu highlighted the critical need for research institutions to create practical and commercially viable solutions in renewable energy and other emerging technologies as Nigeria's energy landscape continues to evolve. The seminar, titled \"Agrowaste to Fuel: Biodiesel Development, Opportunities and Challenges for Youth Employment to the 21st Century,\" was delivered by Chairholder, Prof. Kensington Obahiagbaon. The focus on converting agricultural waste into biodiesel was deemed timely and highly relevant to Nigeria's quest for sustainable energy, environmental protection, economic diversification, and youth employment.\n\nObahiagbaon, a professor of chemical engineering, stated that global reliance on fossil diesel has resulted in twin issues of gas emissions and energy insecurity. He emphasized that agro-waste to fuel presents a critical pathway for the 21st century, addressing climate change, waste management, and economic diversification. The global energy crisis, climate change, and waste management burden have made agro-waste to fuel a crucial development area for the 21st century, as converting waste into fuel transforms a liability into an asset and creates revenue streams through waste management.\n\nObahiagbaon also discussed the challenges and future direction of biodiesel development in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of feedstock availability and cost. He advocated for the development of sustainable standards for biodiesel production. The Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, noted that the chair's existence over the past six years has been a launchpad for the institution, and he pledged continued collaboration with graduates in every field of study. Omoregie stressed that renewable energy is crucial due to the climate change problem, and the university is committed to promoting its importance.",
  "summary": "Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin City The Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Prof. Shua’ibu Shehu Aliyu, has reiterated the Fund’s commitment to strengthening research, innovation and human capital development",
  "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."
}