ENERGETIC: THE VIEW OF AN ENTHUSIAST — AN INTERVIEW
By: The Nimeche Ui Press
Tags: Energy, Research, Students, Renewable Energy, Clubs

ENERGETIC: THE VIEW OF AN ENTHUSIAST — AN INTERVIEW

Clean energy is gradually coming close

In light of recent developments in the energy sector and the state of affairs in the nation and in the education sector, two correspondents from the NIMechE UI Press, Emmanuel Ogunsola and Titilope Banji, set out to speak with the immediate past president of NIMechE UI in an exclusive interview. Obasi Obinna, who had recently completed most of his requirements for a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ibadan, Mechanical Engineering, earlier this year, engaged us with his recent interests, involvements and things pertaining to the Energy Club UI. Some concerns that have been on the minds of members of the departmental association were clarified and pertinent information gathered. Read on to see what he had to say.

Can we meet you please?



My name is Obasi, Obinna Paul and I’m a recent 'graduate' of the University of Ibadan with a bachelor’s degree focused on mechanical engineering. I am the immediate past President of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, University of Ibadan Students’ Chapter (NIMechE UI)

It’s great to meet you, Obinna!



How has life after 'graduation' been so far? Any highlights?



Haha... Well, it’s been challenging particularly because of the Covid-19 pandemic. I’ve been trying to keep my head above the waters by learning new skills.



It’s not been easy getting a job cause of the peculiar situation the 2019 class have but luckily for me, I got a job with Clean Technology Hub Nigeria and that’s where I’m presently working as a Research Associate.

Oh... That’s awesome!



That’s really a feat that hardly comes easily.



Do you mind telling us what Clean Technology Hub does, by the way?



Yeah, thanks. Clean Technology Hub is a pioneering hybrid hub for the research, development, demonstration, and incubation of clean technologies for increased energy access and improved climate resilience. It is also an early start-up incubator for inventions and innovations in clean energy, and a driver of clean energy investment into Africa.



Basically, we conduct research into renewable energy sources and how best we can adapt them to solve our indigenous energy problems in Nigeria. We also help our partners which are mostly foreign firms to execute these projects in Nigeria. CTH is located in Abuja, Nigeria.

Wow... So, you are really interested in energy.



How is it like to see how Nigeria fares in Energy sustainability relative to other countries?



Yes, you are right, I’m interested in the energy sector.



Nigeria is Africa’s most populous countries and only about 60% of the population have access to electricity. Most African countries fare better than Nigeria. This is actually sad because we have the potential to be self sufficient in energy and we’re not utilizing our potentials. However, things are changing right now. There are so many renewable energy mini grid projects coming up and this is the key to solving our energy challenge in this country

Hmmm. The challenge as regarding utilization of potentials adequately is really a tough one. It’s good you and everyone at CTH is doing something about it.



Yes, thank you very much.

I must really say you are really doing great work at the Energy Club UI and congratulations on the release of the club’s magazine



Oh, thanks 😁. I’m presently occupying an advisory position in the club, so I’ll send your regards to the present executives.

Okay!



So when one hears about an Energy club, one would assume it’s only for engineers. Given this premise the nature of Energy Club UI is quite surprising, why this approach?



Haha... Herein lies one of the major problems facing the energy sector. The energy industry is made up of almost any sector you can think of.



The issues we face in the Nigerian Energy Industry are more of the political, economic and legal issues than engineering issues.



The policies governing the energy sector in Nigeria sometimes make it difficult for the proper growth expected of the sector. Which is why we thought it wise to start attacking these issues from the root. That was what inspired the opening of the club to everyone irrespective of their background. Our aim is to raise the next generation of energy professionals proffering solutions to the myriad of problems facing the energy sector in Nigeria.

This is really nice



So what are the challenges and highlights in the journey so far? That is, for Energy Club UI



Okay, so, we faced the same problems associations or organizations face when they start newly, which were finding a suitable organization that fits the club and the finance to run the organization.



But thankfully, we’ve overcome some of these problems. We’ve been able to secure partnerships with some organizations and we’ve also organized programs and projects which are in line with the goal of the club. So, SO FAR SO GOOD. The current executives lead by Ogochukwu Okeke and assisted by Habeeb Sanusi is doing an amazing job.

Great. Please, can you tell us categorically how the club started? Did it start as a wide one or was it ever a "mech" thing?



So, it was a mech thing at a point but it wasn’t functional. We just listed it as part of the clubs in NIMechE UI. Ogochukwu and I decided to take it a notch higher by opening it up to everyone and that was how it happened. We registered the club and made it fully functional and independent. One of our 2 staff advisors is a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The other one is from law.

Oh! So is it still essentially a part of NiMechE UI with a wider interdisciplinary scope?



It’s registered as an Association in the University of Ibadan, so it’s basically not under NiMechE-UI again.

Okay, thanks for that Obinna.



We wish the Energy Club UI greater success and impact.



Thanks for granting us this interview.😃



You’re very much welcome. NiMechE-UI will forever be very dear to me no matter where I go.

That’s so nice...



Anything else you would like to say? Shout outs?



Yeah, I’d like to use this medium to encourage the current President of NIMechE UI and his entire executive team. They’ve been doing great so far, and I pray that they’ll do greater things than I did.



I’d also like to reassure the whole of mech that my mind and support will forever be with them. School will soon resume, so Y’all should be prepared! I love you guys!

Thank you very much Obinna!



You’re welcome Titi and Emmanuel.