Food Security: Ui Unveils Smart Irrigation System, Crop Dryer
The University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State, has unveiled its smart irrigation system and smart crop dryer to enhance productivity and national food security.
The project was carried out by the university’s Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development.
Speaking at the unveiling event in Ibadan, themed “Concept to Community: Scalable Energy Solutions for Rural and Off-Grid Sustainable Development,” the Director of CPEEL, Prof. Olugbenga Falode, emphasised the vital role of innovation and technology in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges.
He disclosed that his team has developed several tailored energy technology solutions, such as IoT-enabled solar irrigation, IoT-enabled solar dryer, smart meter, biogasifiers, smart microgrids integrated with renewable energy, etc., specifically designed to improve energy access and efficiency in rural areas.
He, however, laid emphasis on the need for the government to invest in energy research and technologies such as mini-grids, which can power agro-processing units and cold storage, and clean cookstoves, which can save hours of unpaid labour and reduce indoor pollution that disproportionately affects women and children, among several other innovations.
Falode stated that CPEEL’s partnership with the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development is essential, as it brings valuable expertise in community structures, behavioural change, and participatory engagement.
The collaboration, according to him, is to ensure that energy solutions move beyond laboratories and policy papers to make a real impact in fields, farms, and homes.
He emphasised, “Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability.” Sadly, that golden thread remains broken in many rural communities.
“Today, over 640 million Africans lack access to electricity, with the continent’s access rate just above 40%—the lowest globally. In sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa), per capita energy consumption is only 180 kWh, compared to 13,000 kWh in the U.S. and 6,500 kWh in Europe. More than 80% of those without power live in rural, off-grid regions and rely on biomass for cooking, which has serious health, environmental, and economic consequences.
“Poor energy access causes indoor air pollution, weakens healthcare and education, and raises business costs. Expanding energy access is critical for poverty reduction, job creation, and inclusive, sustainable growth.
“At the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics & Law, we are deeply committed to research, innovation, and policy engagement that translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions.
“Our focus spans a spectrum of energy resources, from renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaics, biogas systems, improved cookstoves, mini-grids, and hybrid systems to sustainably utilising oil and gas.” By promoting responsible oil and gas usage alongside renewable options, we are creating an energy mix that is realistic, context-sensitive, and geared toward long-term sustainability. But we recognise that the challenge is not just technological—it is also institutional, financial, and behavioural.
In his address, the Head of Department, Prof. Stella O. Odebode, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration. She stressed that the partnership between CPEEL and the Department is essential to ensure the successful deployment and adoption of these solutions within rural farming communities.
According to her, agricultural extension services play a critical role in bridging the gap between technology developers and end users. Also, Prof. O.B. Oyesola of AERD presented an audit report for the Ajebandele community to support the planning and deployment of sustainable energy solutions.
In his keynote, Engr. Adebayo Ige, CEO/MD of IESL, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability as a strategic partner in community-driven energy development. He acknowledged Dr. Diran Fawibe, Chairman of IESL, for his leadership in aligning engineering with social impact.
Engr. Ige highlighted IESL’s N10 million annual grant to the Centre, aimed at supporting locally driven energy solutions. He emphasised the importance of empowering local talent and scaling innovations like solar mini-grids and hybrid systems through stronger collaboration with research institutions, governments, and communities, ensuring solutions are user-focused, locally owned, and sustainable.
In their words, the trio of Prof. Akin Iwayemi, Principal Investigator of CPEEL; Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, the President of the Nigerian Economic Society and co-PI of CPEEL; and the former Director of CPEEL, Prof. O.E. Olubusoye, while speaking, hinted on the importance of investment in research and the need for collaboration between town and gown to be able to proffer solutions to the myriad of problems confronting Nigeria as country, saying the vision of CPEEL is to bridge the gap between industry and academics by training energy professionals with the sole aim of finding a lasting solution to energy poverty in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Dr. Kehinde Bewaji, speaking for the technical team, emphasised the showcased projects’ potential to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce energy poverty among rural farmers. Experts at the workshop praised the initiative and called for stronger collaboration between academia and communities to overcome technological barriers.
They urged the center to sustain its leadership in energy research and deepen engagement with policymakers. The team, supervised by Prof. O.A. Falode, included Dr. Bewaji, Dr. Akinsanoye, Engr. Tekhukoroh, and Engr. Kamara. Dr. Princess Nwankwo, while thanking the audience, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to community-driven energy solutions, echoing Prof. Adenikinju’s call for inclusive, sustainable development.