As global paradigms shift from the conventional ethos of working hard to the innovative framework of working smart, the importance of integrating transformative approaches into agriculture cannot be over-stated or over-looked, hence the campaign for agrivoltaic systems in Africa. The first-of-its-kind conference will take place at the ASUU Secretariat Complex, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, on March 26–27, 2025.

This development was made known when on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Management, under the leadership of Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, hosted a delegation from LIFEWS Foundation in preparation for the First Agrivoltaics Conference in Nigeria.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Kingsley Ikechukwu Agụ, the Agrivoltaics Program Coordinator in Nigeria, reeled out the conference’s objectives, emphasizing its role in fostering enlightenment, stakeholder engagement, and the promotion of agrivoltaics as a sustainable solution for food and energy security.

Dr. Agụ noted that this initiative is being driven by Gabriel S. Ayayia, Founder of LIFEWS Foundation, in collaboration with Dr. Chad Higgins of Oregon State University in the United States of America, to advance agrivoltaics research, implementation, and sustainable development in Nigeria, fostering innovation in climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy solutions.

During the interaction, Engr. Dr. Chidi Nwafor, Southeast Coordinator of the Program, further highlighted the conference’s objective: to identify entrepreneurial minds, foster cutting-edge research, and harness technological innovations to drive sustainable food production in Nigeria. He assured the team’s commitment to supporting select students and staff through sponsorship opportunities.

Welcoming the delegation, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, appreciated the organizers for taking the lead in the technology revolution in agriculture by advancing research on Agrivoltaics. She stated that COOU is ready to be part of the project and would be willing to work and learn with the LIFEWS Foundation for the betterment of COOU and the society at large.

Expressing gratitude to the Agrivoltaics team, the Ag. Vice Chancellor re-affirmed that the foundation of all academic and scientific endeavors must be anchored in practical application rather than theoretical abstraction. She also assured the team of the University’s readiness to provide all required support for the success of the conference.

Other Members of the University management who were present in the meeting include; Prof. Osita Chiaghanam – Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. M. O. Ananti – Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Sir. Chris Obi – Registrar, Dr. Nath Udezo – Ag. Bursar, and the Dr. Uche Enweani – the University Ag. Librarian.

Others are; Prof. C. Ugwumba, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. C.O. Nwokoye – Manager, COOU Fish Farm, and Rev. Sr. Regina Chukwudozie – Farm Manager, COOU Farms.