By Abdullahi lukman
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has teamed up with the Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC) to address energy and electronic waste challenges in Africa.
The partnership was officially launched during a virtual event, which included presentations from CEPREC, recently.
The initiative focuses on driving renewable energy innovation by applying circular economy principles, encouraging research, capacity building, and collaboration among stakeholders to advance energy solutions across Africa.
It involves a consortium of eleven countries, including the United Kingdom and various African nations, with UNILAG leading activities in Nigeria.
Key participants from UNILAG include Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, Dr. Osita Omeje, Dr. Obiageli Okoye, and Dr. Folakemi Ajayi.
Frances Wood, UKRI International Director, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global energy challenges.
She praised the initiative as an example of how research and innovation can lead to sustainable solutions.
Wood also highlighted CEPREC’s role in empowering local researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs by providing workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing opportunities to scale circular microgrid projects.
Professor Muyiwa Oyinlola, Director of CEPREC and Professor of Innovation for Sustainable Development at De Montfort University, stated that the project aims to reshape how people view waste and turn it into opportunities for economic transformation.
He stressed that the initiative will establish new standards for sustainable energy solutions across Africa.
Professor Layi Alatise, Deputy Director (Engineering) of CEPREC and Professor in Power Electronics at the University of Warwick, highlighted the importance of local capacity for maintaining and expanding technology to ensure long-term sustainability.
He explained that CEPREC will focus on knowledge transfer and skills development to ensure lasting impact.
Professor Giuliana Battisti, Deputy Director (Social Sciences) of CEPREC and Professor of the Economics of Innovation at Warwick Business School, noted that combining technological innovation with policy integration is key to creating a self-sustaining renewable energy ecosystem for Africa’s future.