This appeal was made during the opening ceremony of the International Hydrogen Summit 2024, which focused on the theme ‘Catalysing Green Hydrogen Development in Nigeria – The Capacity and Partnership Imperatives.’
At the summit held at ABUAD, the prominent figure stressed that all students, regardless of whether they attend public or private institutions, should have access to the scheme, provided they are Nigerian citizens.
Additionally, Babalola voiced his concerns regarding the Federal Government's lack of funding for research projects in private universities, which he believes could significantly benefit both the country and humanity.
He said: “Recently, the Federal Government established the Students Loan Scheme. Yet, students from private universities are excluded. Are they not Nigerians? What steps have been taken to address this?
“TETFund was also established by the Federal Government and funding sourced from private organizations. However, private universities are excluded from accessing these funds. Why? What action has been taken on this issue?
“The government allocates research funds to public universities, yet I am not aware of any university, public or private, that has achieved more in research than ABUAD. Still, ABUAD has not received government support in this area.”
Highlighting the importance of the International Hydrogen Summit in advancing green hydrogen development, he said: “Ideas rule the world, but only those who implement their ideas are deemed successful. Ensure the resolutions from this summit are carried out.”
In his keynote speech, the Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, emphasized that the Federal Government acknowledges the potential of green hydrogen as part of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP).
He highlighted that harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, along with green hydrogen, presents Nigeria with a substantial opportunity to diversify its energy portfolio and take a leading role in the global decarbonization initiative.