Prof. Alfred Susu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee of the Nigeria Prize for Science, on Thursday urged scientists to carry out research work aimed at solving the nation’s power supply problem.
Susu made the plea while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of media briefing to announce the winners of the 2017 Nigeria Prize for Science in Lagos.
The competition, which started in 2004, was organised by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Susu won the 2004 edition of the competition.
According to him, it is obvious that we have problem in the power sector.
“We must carry out research that will proffer solution to it, because government is not doing enough about it,” he said.
Susu said that the 2018 prize for science with the theme: “Innovations in Power Solutions” was to challenge scientists to carry out researches that would address the problems in the power sector.
He said that the call for entries would commence early in 2018, urging scientists to take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their intelligence.
“I am surprised that we still have renewable energy problem in Nigeria, especially in the northern part of the country where there is sun.
“In Maiduguri, when you switched on the air conditioner, what you get is hot air; so the north is suitable for establishment of solar power company.
“Why are they busy attracting themselves to greed, why not solar panel?
“When you go to China, there are solar panels in an area as big as Lagos. We should start doing that here too.
“In Nigeria, no where will you see somebody working on solution to the problem of power supply.
“I am from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos, you don’t see anybody doing anything on solution to power problem there; that is our problem,” he said.
Susu said that a typical scientist should apply for any award to drive excellence in the research.
“The reason we are not receiving too many applications is because people are not doing excellent research work.
“We should not look at the prize alone; the money is good, but it is the excellent research that will forever be remembered and appreciated.
“We are looking at how to solve our own problem; we have the brains, we have the personnel; we are just not attacking our problems.
“Scientists should do excellent work; excellent research and excellent science will win the prize,” he said.
Susu said that when he first relocated to Nigeria, people discouraged him that he could not practice science in Nigeria, but promised to do it.
NAN reports that the winner of the Nigeria Prize for Science will receive 100,000 dollars (N35.6 million) from NLNG. (NAN)
