The African Engineers and the Nigerian Society of Engineers have been urged to lead in addressing Energy challenges and usher in distributed Energy revolution, reports Isqil Najim
This came during the 8th Ifedayo Akintunde Annual Lecture, organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Oluyole Branch. The event held on July 2, 2025, at Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan with theme “Empowering Africa’s Energy Transition,”
The opportunities in Energy deficits
Engr. Francis Agoha, FNSE, MD/CEO of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) speaking as the keynote speaker, shared insights on strategies for achieving a sustainable and affordable energy transition in Africa.
He disclosed that the IBEDC franchise area has an estimated aggregate demand of over 2,000 megawatts, driven by a population of over 10 million people, multiple industrial clusters, commercial centers, and a rapidly growing SME sector.
He said that the persistent gap of over 1,600 megawatts reflects a significant untapped market for innovative third-party solutions, from embedded generation to mini-grids, captive power partnerships, and hybrid energy models.
The deficit, according to him, is an open invitation for partnerships that can unlock economic growth, enhance reliability, and expand access to affordable electricity across the IBEDC franchise.
“We must acknowledge a sobering reality that millions of Nigerians remain without reliable electricity access. Reaching these communities requires intentional investments and local partnerships that deliver sustainable energy where it is most needed.
“To fully appreciate the scale of the challenge and the opportunity, we must confront the stark realities of supply and demand within IBEDC’s network, “he said.
The Promise of Distributed Energy Revolution
Speaking at the event, the guest speaker, Professor Olumuyiwa Oyinlola, a renowned academic at the Centre for Climate and Sustainability Innovation at De Montfort University, United Kingdom, known for his work in sustainable infrastructure and off grid energy systems in Africa lamented that despite being rich in resources, more people lack electricity in Nigeria than in any other country. This critical shortfall, particularly impacting 60% of rural areas, severely hinders progress in vital sectors like healthcare and education.
“We have no business still trying to electrify our communities,” he said, attributing this ongoing struggle to simply having “used the wrong model.”
According to him, the inherited centralized grid structure, common across Africa, is proving to be a costly and inefficient model. He observed that while a country like Namibia with a 3 million population might have a similar landmass to a Nigerian state, that Nigerian state could be home to 65 million people. This disparity makes traditional, capital-intensive grid expansion unfeasible and expensive, leaving millions without access to power.
He advocated for Distributed Energy Revolution which he described as a fundamental shift in how electricity is generated, stored, and consumed, moving away from the traditional model of large, centralized power plants and long transmission lines towards a more decentralized, localized, and often renewable-based system.
Oyinlola spoke extensively on why Africa should embrace distributed renewable energy which he described as a “win-win” scenario for Africa, enabling the deployment of power in a modular, scalable, and intelligent manner. Unlike the slow and capital-intensive expansion of a centralized grid, distributed systems can adapt to evolving demand.
A Mandate for Nigerian Engineers
While government policies like the Electricity Act and mini-grid initiatives are positive steps, Professor Oyinlola, pointed out that the ultimate responsibility for driving change rests firmly with the engineering communities.
“It’s not about government policies, but what we as engineers, what we as a society can do,” Professor Oyinlola pointed out. Adding that “the quality of engineers is directly proportional to development of the nation”
He urged them to be more proactive and design and build infrastructure in terms of how they want the systems to be. Adding that power system all over the world are designed and implemented by engineers.
“we shouldn’t wait for permission we should innovate we shouldn’t wait for government we shouldn’t wait for directives we should be thinking about our context and our problems and innovative products.’ he said.
“We live in a world where information is completely accessible; we have artificial intelligence ; we have the internet; so we should be completely global ..so we need to experiment and we need to lead as engineers.” he added.
He caution against overdependent on Imported models pointing out that we understand our own challenges and must be able to address it using local solution to make energy cheaper and ensure that it reached the under-served communities. he also suggested the need to invest in the development of young engineers to ensure the next generation possesses “intellectual capital far beyond” what currently exists.
Oyinlola tasked the Nigerian Society of Engineers as a body to take the lead in policy formulation, equip its members with essential skills, and advocate for African standards.
The future of Nigeria’s energy is not optional; it’s urgent, and “It’s ours as engineers to shape,” Professor Oyinlola concluded.
In her remarks, NSE President Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala celebrated the enduring legacy of Engr. Ifedayo Akintunde, past President of the NSE (1987–1988) and former Vice President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), acknowledging his remarkable contributions to Engineering in Nigeria and globally and describing him as a model of ethical leadership and professional excellence.
On the theme of the lecture, Oguntala, echoed the critical role of engineers in advancing sustainable energy solutions across the continent. She submitted that “Africa’s energy transition requires engineers who can lead with innovation and integrity.” She also urged fellows and elders of the profession to take special interest in mentorship of young members.
Also, the Vice-Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Prof. Adesola Ajayi Represented by the Dean Environmental Sciences, Prof. Stephen Ojo, reiterated the need for Nigeria to make a bold shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy due to its affordability and environmental sustainability.
In his remarks, Engr. Pa Ifedayo Akintunde, expressed his gratitude to the NSE, Oluyole branch, for choosing him among many deserving Nigerians for the honour.
He observed that the standard of the lectures since its inception have been exemplary, resulting in recommendations, which if implemented would greatly enhance the economic, industrial and life expectations of the country.
First held in 2018, the lecture series, named after one of Nigeria’s most distinguished engineers, Engr. Ifedayo Akintunde, has grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected engineering thought leadership event where engineering meets national development. Each year, it brings together engineers, academics, policymakers, and industry leaders to examine real life challenges and propose sustainable solutions. Pa Akintunde, is the first Black African and only Nigerian Engineer to receive the WFEO Medal of Engineering Excellence,
