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AN EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE RESEARCH ON NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES BY THE ENERGY CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA.
BY IGWEBUEZE, ISAIAH UDEDIGWE PG/M.SC/07/42828
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA.
OCTOBER, 2009
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TITLE PAGE AN EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE RESEARCH ON NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES BY THE ENERGY CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA.
A PROJECT REPORT PRESENTED TO
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA. IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.SC.) DEGREE IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICY BY
IGWEBUEZE, ISAIAH UDEDIGWE PG/M.SC/07/42828
SUPERVISOR: PROF. M. O. IKEJIANI-CLARK
OCTOBER, 2009.
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APPROVAL PAGE This Project Has Been Approved For The Award Of Master of Science (M.SC.) Degree in the Department of Political Science University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
---------------------- --------
---------------------------
Prof. M. O. Ikejiani-Clark
Date
(Supervisor)
------------------------------
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Prof. E. O. Ezeani
Date
(Head of Department)
----------------------------External Examiner
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DEDICATION This project is dedicated to the fond memories of UDEONWU OKECHI and IFEANASI JUDE who like me, dreampt of a successfull scholarship but transited to the world beyond too early!
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Glory is to God the eternal father for his countless opportunities, the present one being his grace that enabled me to successfully conclude this programme amidst apparent formidable detracting factors. My appreciation goes to every one of you that is close to me and shares in my experiences – my brothers, sisters and friends both nearby and afar off. You had constantly sent words of encouragement throughout the duration of this course. I cannot obviously do a collective appreciation without isolating my elder brother and the divine bedrock of the family, my dear Rev. Fr. Igwebueze J.C. You are indeed a great man. After forty opportunities, were incarnation a reality, I would adopt that we share parents in all! I wish to thank you Mark and family, Mama Tonia and family, Ralph and family, Larry and family, Tessie and family, Taiwo and co, A-big, Lammy, Hippo, Ajalosi and Nonsolia. When I remember all of you, I simply fight on! To my wife Chi, I am very grateful to you that you made out time in spite of your own academic stress at UNEC to give me the lovely tonics and gentle push that scaled me through. I wish to appreciate the good gestures of my project supervisor, Prof. M. O.IkejianiClark. She was quite forthcoming throughout the course of this project and impacted on me with her unmatched ability to reduce complex
phenomena into
comprehensible and easily appreciable units. She had chaffed off my rather long list of possible research topics and isolated the one we ended with, the very last one but the only one that made real meaning to my area of specialization. I wish to sincerely thank you Prof. for devoting time to supervise this project even with your packed schedule. I am thrilled to associate with you.
6 I wish to thank the entire staff of the department for their wonderful co-operation, without which this endeavour would have been impossible. In this regard, I must sincerely thank Dr. Ogban Iyam, Prof. O. Ezeani, Prof. Obasi Igwe, Prof. O Ibeanu, and Dr. A. Okolie.
IGWEBUEZE, ISAIAH UDEDIGWE OCTOBER, 2009.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page Approval Page Dedication Acknowledgement Table of Contents List of Tables List of Appendices Abstract
i ii iii iv vi viii ix x
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1
Background to the Study
1
1.2
Statement of the Problem
2
1.3
Objective of the Study
5
1.4
Significance of the Study
5
1.5
Review of the Literature
6
1.6
Theoretical Framework
19
1.7
Hypotheses
21
1.8
Methode of Data Collection
21
1.9
Research Design
21
CHAPTER TWO: AN OVERVIEW OF THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA 2.1 Historical Background
26
2.2 Mandate
26
2.3 Vission and Mission
26
2.4 Projects and Research Activities
27
8
CHAPTER THREE: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS (i) 3.1
Instrument Administration and Retrieval
29
3.2
Presentation and Analysis of Preliminary Survey Data (Demographics)
30
Presentation and Analysis of Main Survey Data
31
3.3
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS (ii) 4.1
Instrument Administration and Retrieval
37
4.2
Presentation and Analysis of Preliminary survey Data (Demographics)
38
Presentation and Analysis of Main Survey Data
40
4.3
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1
Summary
48
5.2
Conclusion
50
5.3
Recommendation
52
BIBLIOGRAPHY
54
APPENDIX
56
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LIST OF TABLES 1. Table 01. Administration And Retrieval of Questionnaire ‘A’
29
2. Table 02. Sex Distribution of Respondents ‘A’
30
3. Table 03. Age Distribution of Respondents ‘A’
30
4. Table 04. Education Qualification of Respondents ‘A’
31
5. Table 05. An Illustration of the Findings of the Main survey Data for Questionnaire ‘A
35
6. Table 06. Administration and Retrieval of Questionnaire ‘B’
37
7. Table 07. Sex Distribution of Respondents ‘B’
38
8. Table 08. Age Distribution of Respondents ‘B’
39
9. Table 09. An Illustration of the Questionnaire ‘B’ Main Survey Findings.
43
10
LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1 - Research Questionnaire “A”
56
Appendix 2 – Research Questionnaire “B”
60
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ABSTRACT The study was prompted by our curiosity to investigate the extent energy policy in the country is directed towards the exploitation of the alternate options in renewable energy resources. Specifically We examined a relevant federal agency in our locality, the National Centre for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), University of Nigeria Nsukka, which was established with the above implied objective in mind. In the study, we attempted to determine whether the agency has developed a renewable sourced electricity generation power from its alternate energy research and equally attempted to determine how far the immediate neighborhood of the agency has utilized the services accruing from its research activities in order to see if the supposed benefits could be broadened for national benefits. Our study identified the development of Solar PV (solar electricity) with the internal research of the Centre. On the other hand, however, we found that the immediate host community of the Centre is not yet substantially benefiting from the Centre’s products as it concerns electrical services sourced from alternative/renewable energy resources. To accomplish the above set goals in the study we conducted two separate opinion surveys targeting the appropriate publics respectively and generated requisite data from combined data gathering methods which analysis resolved both of the research questions and the hypotheses. This research report is outlined in five chapters. Chapter one lays the general groundwork for the research by providing the primary background of the study and devoting to issues of methodology including the review of the Literature. Chapter two is committed to reviewing the scope of the objectives which the agency of our case study is mandated by the policy that established it.
12 Chapters three and four are devoted to the presentation and analysis of the data generated from our two separate surveys respectively. Chapter Five provide a summary of the study, the conclusion and offers some policy recommendations.
IGWEBUEZE, ISAIAH UDEDIGWE OCTOBER, 2009.
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY The persistent energy inadequacy in Nigeria has assumed a deleterious factor
on socio-economic life of Nigerians and efforts at advancing models for achieving cost effective and efficient energy utilization in the country has dodged too many a government. The Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration at its inception made cardinal pronouncements, promising to declare a state of emergency on the energy crises as it concerns electricity. The importance of a declarative policy statement on electricity could not be timelier. Under supplied electricity energy is a foremost factor militating
13 against the nation’s economic growth. The country’s quest, for instance, towards enlistment among the world’s top 20 economic powers by the year 2020 would turn up as a mirage unless a fundamental policy is designed and implemented for the nation’s energy, more so with electricity. Taking cognizance of the above, one would have anticipated an expedited affirmative action on the part of government on this energy emergency, instead, after two years into this administration; Nigerians are still awaiting concrete actions with respect to the energy policy. Meanwhile, electricity supply continues to deteriorate as a result of the apparent dwindling power generating capacity of the nation. In recent times, efforts have been geared at improving electricity supply as in the re-branding of the former National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) into Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria (PHCN). The core objective of the policy entails the unbundling of NEPA into spheres of specialized business activities which are mutually re-enforcing and has the central goal of achieving electric energy efficiency under the PHCN. What is not very clear about electricity energy policy in Nigeria is why, in spite of huge resources committed to improving power generation and distribution, the reverse rather seems to be the case. The Obasanjo administration, for instance had spent huge billions of Naira to this very venture but ended up, handing over to the nation lesser power generation capacity than he met it at the inception of his eight year leadership. Issues can be raised at this juncture as to whether policy makers in Nigeria have objectively reviewed the alternative energy resources options available to the nation as a result of her natural endowment, hence the thrust of our present study.
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1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The usual reference to Nigeria’s reputation as a naturally endowed country has become trite and available statistics amply demonstrate the fact. Nigeria is rich in mineral wealth, with petroleum and natural gas being the country’s major mineral products. Nigeria’s economic growth primarily comes from its oil sector. The Energy Information Administration report (EIA 2009:1) outlines Nigeria’s energy utilization from 1984 to May 2006 to show the country’s energy consumption mix as follows: i.
Oil from 77% to 53%
ii.
Natural gas from 18% to 39%, and
iii.
Hydroelectricity, with only a slight increase from 5% to 7%
The report noted that coal, nuclear and other renewables were not then part of the country’s energy consumption mix, with the exception of biomass often used to meet rural heating and cooking needs. It has severally been noted that the Nigerian electricity energy sub-sector operated well below its estimated capacity, with power outages being a frequent occurrence. The EIA report (2009:2) states that only 40% of Nigerians, mostly in the urban centres have access to the frequently erratic electricity. Water shortages and maintenance issues are cited as factors affecting Nigeria’s ability to produce electricity. It is a puzzle to see a country like Nigeria vastly endowed with such alternative energy resources anchor its electricity generation mainly on hydroelectric power, a power source that is subject to the vagaries of water level fluctuations. There are clearly multifarious options for energy sourcing in the country. Nigeria has the capacity to generate constant and uninterrupted electricity. The EIA
15 (2009) maintains that Nigeria has an estimated 182 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of proven gas reserve as at January 2007. This endowment accords the nation the status as the seventh largest natural gas reserve holder in the world. However, the report equally points out that Nigeria flares 40% of her annual gas production, according her on the other hand, the infamous status as the country with the most flared gas in the world. While gas remains a veritable option for electricity generation and has been known to be adopted by a good number of countries; Nigeria’s policy towards gas for her electricity is unclear. The list of choices nature threw on the path of the nation on her energy alternatives is a long one. The country boasts of an all year round of good sunshine. Some parts of the country are known for strong winds. The country can still boast of large deposits of coal. All of the above, amongst others are alternatives in energy sourcing the country can exploit which many nations of the world are known to be utilizing for their electricity energy needs. Information is not readily available as regards the nation’s energy policy with alternatives as in renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, small-scale hydropower, etc. or with natural gas, coal and nuclear energy. Indeed, in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, the government did establish the National Centres for Energy Research and Development (NCERDs) which were harboured in four of the first generation universities in the three major regions (North, East and West) of the country. The Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto; the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife are the respective hosts for these energy research Centres.
16 Apart from energy research generally, these Centres were primarily mandated to carry out research and development in core competence areas in alternative energy resources, mostly but not exclusively on renewable energy, distinct from the conventional methods which consists mainly in the hydropower/thermal station electricity currently utilized in the country. The foregoing being the case, one would logically expect the NCERDs to have contributed significantly to the energy equation of the country with regards to electricity generation after nearly three decades of their establishment. Apparently this is not so, taking into account the acute power shortage in the country. It is obvious that the NCERDs are not forthcoming with viable alternative energy research and development, hence the nation’s reliance on the age long conventional energy sourcing with their attendant limitations and consequences. In this study we isolated one of these foremost NCERDs in the country, the Energy Centre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for a detailed study. The aspect of our detailed case study will concern the generation of adequate data to answer the relevant questions of the research to shed light on the overall national energy policy as regards electricity generation with alternative/renewable energy resources. The two questions that will direct the search in this study are as presented below: Has the Energy Centre UNN, by its internal research developed an alternative/renewable source of electricity generation power? Has the UNN community substantially benefited from the alternative/ renewable sourced electricity products developed by the Energy Centre UNN?
1.3
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
Our overall quest in this study is to explore the available options presented to Nigeria by the virtue of her natural endowment in energy resources and determine
17 how
recourse
to
exploiting
these
energy
resources
in
her
search
for
alternative/renewable electricity generation power could be feasible. With our focus on our chosen case study, we specifically aim to achieve the following objectives, namely: i.
To evaluate the progress the nation has made in the research towards the development and utilization of alternative/renewable electricity energy sourcing.
ii.
To determine how readily the products from the research and development of alternative/renewable electricity power sourcing can be installed for public use.
1.4
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY At a time when power inadequacy clearly stands on the path of Nigeria’s
socio-economic progress, our study in this sector should be considered rather timely. Our study is therefore significant in the following ways: First, in theoretical perspective, the study will contribute much to the literature on Nigerian energy alternatives, more so as the global energy equation is on the verge of a fundamental change. Secondly, the study promises some applied utility since both the positive and negative finding on our case study can be replicated and mitigated respectively by policy makers on the sphere of the broader national energy policy.
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 1.5.1 NIGERIA ENERGY POLICY ADMINISTRATION The terms energy and power can be used interchangeably. According to Hornsby et al (1995: 381), energy has been described as “fuel and other sources of power used for operating machinery, etc.” “This could be nuclear, electrical, solar energy, etc.” On the other hand power has been described as “energy that can be gathered and
18 used for operating an apparatus”. “This could be wind, nuclear, hydroelectric power etc.” (See Hornsby et al 1995: 904). The national energy policy in Nigeria is administered through the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). The ECN was established by Act No.62 of 1979, as amended by Act No. 32 of 1988 and Act No. 19 of 1989. It has the statutory mandate for the strategic planning and co-ordination of national policies in the field of energy in all its ramifications. The ECN, by its mandate, is the apex government organ empowered to carry out overall energy sector planning and policy implementation. It promotes the development and utilization of the diverse energy resources, including the introduction of new and alternative energy resources like Solar, Wind, Biomass and Nuclear Energy (visit: www.energy.gov.ng/ecn, etc.).
1.5.2 NIGERIA ENERGY POLICY OUTLOOK ON ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES It will be expedient to appraise the depth of the relevant energy authorities’ exploitation of the multifarious energy resources in the country towards achieving an optimum energy mix targeted at ameliorating the acute power shortage in the nation, more so as it concerns electricity. Contending in the above perspective, Dr. Lukman, in his “Foreword” to the ECN National Energy Policy Paper (ECN 2003: iv), states in these words, thus: Luckily, the country is endowed with many energy resources types, including oil, gas, coal, tar sands, solar, hydro, biofuels and other renewable energy resources. The national policy should therefore promote the harnessing of all the viable energy resources so as to have an optimal energy mix, while ensuring sustainable environmentally friendly energy practices.
19 Has there been a broad-based energy policy by the country which objective is a holistic outlook on the viable energy options aimed at achieving an optimal energy mix for the nation? To what extent has energy policy in the country been directed at exploiting the viable renewable energy resources to provide off-grid electricity thereby augmenting the current abysmal supply of electricity? While our further reviews can shed light on the above questions, we may agree that a plausible solution to the acute power inadequacy in the country as regards electricity must necessarily require a paradigm shift from fossil-fuel powered electricity generators to renewable energy based electricity. Agreeing with this view, Stanley (2008:2) maintains as follows, that: It is only an Off-Grid Alternative Green Electricity Generation (OAGEG) approach that can strike the ‘Triple E’ delicate balance between Energy security, Economic empowerment and Environmental protection. Stanley further provides a vital statistics on Nigeria to underscore her deplorable shortfall of electricity supply, thus: Population - approx. 150 million Land mass - approx. 923 770 sq km Installed electricity generation capacity - 6000 MW Peak National Demand - Approx. 30,000 MW Current National supply - less than 3000 MW Shortfall - Approx. 25,000 MW.
The National Energy Policy paper from the Presidency, as authored by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN 2003) offers us the insight into the overall, multi-sectoral energy policy outlook for the country. Apart from the forward and the introduction sections, the paper treats five different aspects of energy policy in five divisions under the following topics: Energy Resources: Oil, Natural Gas, Tar sands, Coal, Nuclear, Hydropower, Fuel wood, Solar, Biomass, Wind, Hydrogen and Other Renewables
20 . Energy Utilization - under sectors such as: Electricity, Industry, Agriculture and Transport. Energy Issues: Environment, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Bilateral, Regional and International Cooperation. Energy Financing: Financing, Indigenous Participation; and Planning and Policy Implementation: Energy Planning, Policy Implementation, Prioritization of strategies into Short, Medium and Long term. We have diligently reviewed the paper to study the government policy towards exploiting the relevant energy resources amongst the energy mix of the country for electricity generation. The foremost policy statement discernible is the outright acceptance by the relevant authorities that the country has requisite resources that could surpass her energy demands for electricity generation when properly harnessed. On natural gas which is among the foremost energy resources for electricity generation, the policy paper recognizes its huge reserve with an 88years life span estimate for the Nigeria natural gas production based on the 2001 production rate of 1850bscf. This is above that of crude oil at 44 years life span estimate, on production rate of 2mb/d. It stands clear therefore that the near future of the Nigeria economy shall substantially revolve on an extended utilization of gas, including its use as fuel for generating the nation’s electricity. The policy paper equally asserts the foregoing view as one of the ECN outstanding policy outlooks on natural gas maintains thus: The nation’s gas resources shall be harnessed and optimally integrated into the national economy, energy mix and industrial processes.
21 One of the energy policy objectives on gas, according to the policy paper, is “to expand the utilization of natural gas as industrial and domestic fuel, as well as for power generation”. (See ECN 2003:9 – 12) Coal was also reviewed by the ECN Energy Policy Paper as a vital energy source for electricity power generation. We learnt from the ENC paper that the production of coal has witnessed an inverse proportion consequent upon the discovery and production of crude oil in the country. As an illustration, coal production in Nigeria attained its peak of 905,000 tons in 1958/59 and contributed over 70% to commercial energy consumption in the country. However, following the discovery of crude oil in 1958 and the conversion of railway engines from coal to diesel, production of coal started to decrease significantly from the beginning of the sixties. As of 2001, the ECN computed the commercial energy consumption mix to portray a virtual abandonment of coal production as shown below: Natural gas Crude oil Hydro power Coal
61.9% 31.9% 6.2% 0.02%
The policy outlook on coal, according to the ECN policy paper shall entail, among other things, “pursuing vigorously, a comprehensive programme of resuscitating the coal industry and due observance for environmental issues”, etc. Salient among the strategies formulated in the energy policy paper for an effective utilization of coal are: •
To re-introduce the use of coal for power generation, and
•
Encouraging R&D in the production, processing and utilization of coal. (See ECN 2003:12 – 13).
22 The nuclear energy as a source of electricity generation power was also analyzed by the ECN. Its energy policy paper identifies the enormous utility this energy resource offers for electricity. The advantages notwithstanding, the policy outlook as concerns nuclear energy utilization in the country, as can be gleaned from the ECN energy policy paper, is of long term projection. This, according to the ECN, is because of the complex nature of nuclear energy research and the safety issues involved. The ECN energy policy paper finally undertook a detailed analysis of renewable energy resources that can be tapped for electricity power generation in the country. These include: Hydropower, Solar energy, Biomass, Wind power, Hydrogen and other non-common renewable energy resources such as Ocean waves, Tidal energy, Ocean thermal gradients, and Geothermal energy. As can be expected, the Nigeria government, as detailed by this relevant agency, the ECN, in its energy policy paper has a comprehensive appraisal of its renewable energy resources for electricity generation. It equally has a plausible policy approach aimed at the effective exploitation and utilization outlined in policy objectives, strategies and implementation. Hydropower has been identified by the ECN as one of the energy resource that is renewable and provides one of the cleanest and cheapest sources of electricity. It estimates the total technically exploitable large scale hydropower potential of the country at over 10,000 MW. According to it, this is capable of producing 36,000 GWh of electricity annually. The policy paper notes that only about one fifth of this potential has been developed as at 2001. The agency estimates the small scale hydropower potential of the country at 734 MW. It urges that the country develop its small scale hydropower for rural electrification. It notes that hydropower
23 generation accounts for a substantial part of the total electricity generation mix, at 32% of the installed grid- connected generation capacity by early 1999. (See ECN 2003:15 – 17). On solar energy for electricity generation; the ECN argues for the suitability of its exploitation in Nigeria as the country lies within a high sunshine belt and has an even distribution of solar radiation throughout the country. The agency maintains that solar energy technologies, namely: photovoltaic, solar PV for short (direct conversion to electricity) and solar thermal type (apparatuses for solar heating, drying, thermal power plant, etc), as opposed to the traditional open air drying, are not much used in Nigeria. The ECN energy policy outlook in this regard is to: Aggressively pursue the integration of solar energy into the nation’s energy mix, while keeping abreast of worldwide developments in energy technology. Among the core objectives, the policy seeks to develop the nation’s capability in the utilization of solar energy; use solar energy as a complementing resource in the rural and urban areas, and develop solar energy conversion technologies locally. The strategies for achieving the policy on solar energy utilization, according to the ECN, among other things, include: • • •
Intensifying research and development Promoting training and manpower development, and Introducing measures to support the local solar energy industry.(see ECN 2003:17 – 18).
Another renewable energy resource considered of significant quantity in the country by the ECN is Biomass – the organic, non-fossil material of biological origin. According to ECN (2003:19), the biomass resources of Nigeria can be identified as wood, forage grasses and shrubs, animal wastes and wastes arising from forestry, agricultural, municipal and industrial activities as well as aquatic biomass. Plant
24 biomass has been identified to be applicable as fuel in thermal power plants for electricity. According to the ECN energy policy paper (2003:19), the national policy outlook on this energy resource is to: Effectively harness non-fuel wood biomass energy resources and integrate them with other energy resources and promote the use of efficient biomass conversion technologies. The strategies for this policy thrust ranges over issues such as promoting R&D in biomass energy technology; providing adequate incentives to local entrepreneurs for the production of biomass energy conversion systems, among others. The ECN energy policy paper (2003: 19) also studied in detail, the prospects of utilizing wind energy for electricity generation. The ECN forecasts the annual average wind speed at 10m heights, to vary from about 2m/s in the coastal areas to about 4m/s in the far north. The agency asserts that it is possible to convert wind energy to rotatory mechanical energy and electrical energy for a variety of uses. The policy outlook on wind energy as espoused in the ECN policy paper (ECN 2003:20) is for the nation to commercially develop its wind energy resources while taking necessary measures to harness it
at sustainable costs to both suppliers and
consumers in the rural areas. The policy objective, according to ECN, entails developing wind energy as an alternative energy resource, developing local capability in wind energy technology and applying the technology in areas where it is technically and economically feasible, etc. The policy strategy involves issues of research and development, manpower training, providing appropriate incentives to producers, developers and consumers of wind power systems, among others.
25 Other renewable energy sources reviewed by the ECN in the energy policy paper (ECN 2003: 20 – 21) are Hydrogen and other uncommon energy resources such as ocean waves, tidal energy, ocean thermal gradients and geothermal energy. The ECN maintains that Hydrogen, which is much abundant on the earth’s surface, can be extracted and used in fuel cells for generation of electricity and in other thermal energy conversion systems. The policy thrust of the nation, gleaned from the ECN energy policy paper, is to integrate hydrogen as an energy source in the energy mix of the country while expediting intensive research towards exploiting the other uncommon renewable energy resources earlier mentioned. Having taken this pain to present the foregoing overview of the ECN’s review of the alternative energy resources for electricity generation in the country, we could only observe mainly policy projections. We have not been helped much by the literature to identify how these multifarious resources have been concretely harnessed for generating the much scarce electricity power in the country. Some studies both within and outside Nigeria have been done that can shed light on the role of research in the exploitation, development and utilization of renewable energy, more so as energy resource for electricity. Ketlogtswe (2009:7983), studied the challenges in the implementation of solar energy in Botswana. According to him, the primary objective of the PV project which were commenced in the country since 1990, was to access the viability and sustainability of solar energy technology as an alternative source of energy, especially for rural communities, and with the aim to replicate same in other parts of the country. He noted, however, that despite all the efforts by the government of Botswana and donor agencies, the level of use of solar systems for power generation in Botswana was still very low. His
26 study therefore focused on examining the factors that impede the rapid development of solar PV power generation system in the rural environment of Botswana. Elsewhere, Nafeh (2009:91-98), carrying out his study in Egypt, outlined the technicality of sustaining a model solar PV system to electrify a remote area household load with details aimed at optimal energy flow and control within the system for output efficiency. Many other studies that were done on renewable energy essentially focus on the technical aspects, or merely project the policy imperatives. In recent times, a few of Nigerian Universities students’ research work in engineering, environmental studies and other allied departments have focused on the issues of renewable energy. In this regard, Ezeugo (2001), studied the cost implications of sustaining a solar PV for an average municipal population, in comparism with the grid electricity. Dealing with a large population of the entire Nsukka town, however, he embarked on quite a large data analysis that do not help for easy appreciation. In a related study, Nwaogo (2003), Melford (2003) and Ogunleye (2009), explored the imperatives of adopting renewable energy in Nigeria for aggressive national development. While Nwaogo actually explored the technical details for developing the renewable energy substance like biofuel; Melford and Ogunleye were inclined to explore the policy implications and benefits open to the nation if it deepens its utilization of renewable energy, especially the solar energy in form of the solar PV. All these studies have their merits. However, their inability to isolate a manageable unit on which to model the test of feasibility of the application of a developed renewable energy leaves much to be desired, and do not help for policy
27 projections. We proceed further to review the institutional framework adopted by the country in implementing her energy goals as it concerns electricity.
1.5.3 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ENERGY POLICY IMPLIMENTATION IN NIGERIA We identified a tripod of an association among the three major sets of agencies for energy policy implementation in our review of the literature on energy policy in Nigeria. By this arrangement, the ECN, which acts as the governmental organ for the co-ordination of energy sector activities and the implementation of a comprehensive and integration of energy policy, is the apex body. (Visit: www.energy.gov.ng/about ecn/functions, etc.); (see also, ECN 2003:6). The next in this energy policy implementation arrangement are the relevant federal ministries or parastatals, which in cooperation with the ECN, are in charge of the actual implementation of energy policy in the specific energy sub-sector, say the PHCN, for electricity in the country. The third leg of the energy policy implemention tripod is for energy research and development activities of the ECN. These activities are carried out in five of the ECN technical departments and four energy research centres, namely: The National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, both responsible for research on new and renewable energy. The National Centre for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, both responsible for research on nuclear energy applications. In line with our central objective in this study which entails examining the depth
of
the
nation’s
involvements
in
research
and
development
on
alternative/renewable energy resources for optimal generation of electricity; we
28 deem it suitable to isolate an energy research centre mandated with this role in order to identify some results, hence our case study on the Energy Centre, UNN. In our examination of the Energy Centre vis-à-vis our research questions, we had recourse to the organization’s website which updates information concerning its activities. In line with the stated objective above, we reviewed the organization’s mandate which informed the bottom-line of its establishment. We then reviewed the organization’s research projects and products to see how they answer our questions. According to the information available on the Centre’s website, its mandate at establishment was to: Carry out research, development, dissemination, commercialization and manpower training in the various areas of renewable and non-renewable energy technologies such as solar, Biomass, Biofuels, wind, Hydro, Geo thermal, fossil fuels, Energy management and Environment (visit www.ncerd-unn.org). From the foregoing it is understood that the Energy Centre, UNN, presumably, has the clear support to research on and develop alternative sources of energy both in the spheres of the renewable and non-renewable energy technologies. This apparently is the government gesture at steming the logjam of power insufficiency and the consequent debilitating effects on the socio-economic growth of the nation. After nearly three decades of energy research, it would be appropriate to examine the centre’s research activities with the aim to identifying its product lines. In this regard, the Centre’s Director in his welcome remark to the website visitors informs as folows: Over the years, “researches in the centre in collaboration with some academic departments in the University of Nigeria have led to the development of commercialisable R&D outputs. Some of these outputs, the centre asserts, have been disseminated particularly in the rural communities for services as it outlines below:
29 Household lighting Village electrification Television viewing centres Water pumping Street lighting Solar chick brooding Household and community based biodigesters, and Crop/fish/manure drying. On the face of it, it would look like the above information have tackled our questions in the study, but a deeper look would identify its shortcomings. The impression is given that the centre has in its research developed and effectively deployed its alternative electricity power products, but it is not made explicitly so. The literature could not for instance, tell us the specific electicity products developed by the centre from its alternative energy research and the sites where these products are installed. The mere reference to some generalized rural communities utilizing its R&D outputs do not augur well for verification. At that, the above information is at best left for speculation. Okonkwo (2006), outlines a nunber of areas in which the Energy Centre has been able to design models for the exploitation of solar energy for household needs. These, however, consist in heat form. According to him, these areas include: Solar Poultry Production Solar Drying Solar Water Heating Solar Cooking Solar Distillation In as much as these achievements are commendable and many more still envisaged in the “five year strategic plan” of the Solar/Geothermal Unit of the energy Centre, UNN, information is not quite forthcoming as to the Centre’s progress with solar PV.
30 Our review of the literature on energy policy in the country could not explicitly identify the concrete goals achieved with the utilization of alternative/renewable energy resources in terms of improved capacity of electricity power generation other than mere policy projections. The review of the literature on the research activities of the Energy Centre of our case study, the UNN Energy Centre, equally could neither expressly identify whether the centre has developed electricity products from its research on alternative/renewable energy resources, nor convincingly state how the supposed products have benefited the public.
In this study, therefore, we attempt to fill this gap by generating and analysing appropriate data and emperically answer the research questions.
1.6. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK We adopt the theoretical framework of dialectical materialism for a comprehensive analysis in this study. This method of analysis focuses on the primacy of material conditions, particularly economic factors in the explanation of social life. The major proponent of this theory, Karl Marx, and as also popularized by Fredrich Engels in his book “Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State” has categorized the development of societies along definite materialistic stages from primitive communalism to slave society, then to bourgeois society and finally to socialist society. Each stage of these human evolutions is marked by a specific culture which is positively correlated with its mode of social production.
31 Ake (1981: 1), while appraising this theory maintains in these familiar assertions as follows, that: By knowing the material constraints of a society, how it produces goods to meet its material needs, how the goods are distributed and what type of social relations arise from the organization of production, we can actually understand its laws, politics and economic policies. In appropriating this theory for our study we are situating the problem with policy implementation in Nigeria on the historical stage of her development. Notice that Karl Marx and other scholars of dialectical materialism have posited that people at each stage of development have a type of culture and psychology. And in the words of Osuji (2009:1), at each stage of development, a people of a definite society have “a mental set, that which is not suitable for other states of society’’. In trying to unravel the factors militating against Africa industrialization, he concludes that many African people exhibit the mental set of people in primitive communal states. It is not the focus of this studies to identify the exact stage of Nigeria’s historical development, but we strongly hold that Nigeria is surely in some way back state of primitive historical development other that where it is taken to belong, prima facie. The stage of her development is in some synchrony with anti-industrialization practices that pervade her socio-economic landscape -primitive capital accumulation, tribalism and its other multifaceted features that breed corruption in all its vestiges. The foregoing expose explains the failure of policy execution in Nigeria no matter how good-intentioned and well formulated the policy may be. The Nigerian elite act out the true attribute of our stage of historical development. They see nothing good in the collective national development rather earnestly championing their selfish aggrandizement.
32 It is not an exception with the energy policy as regards electricity in Nigeria. It is apparent that successive governments in Nigeria have failed to see the indispensable role the electric power can play in her industrialization quest. When a policy like this which the Energy Centre, UNN is mandated is designed and mobilized for result-oriented goals; more often than not, the scheme lingers for many years behind schedule, rendering intangible results at best. In most cases, nothing would be heard of the policy again. Obama (2008:6) seems to share in our point of view when he asserts in his speech in Denver, USA, thus: “we cannot meet twenty-first century challenges with a twentieth century bureaucracy”. When this much can be said of the USA, what of Nigeria that prides itself among the committee of the twenty-first century nations but condone practices among its ruling elite that is in synchrony with some way back historical state of development? We proceed in this research by observing the questions raised on the activities of the Energy Centre UNN, viewing it essentially through the prism of dialectical materialism.
1.7.
HYPOTHESES
Based on the stated problem that motivated this study, the research questions, objectives and the gap identified in the literature review, we hypothesise as follows: 1. The Energy Centre UNN has not developed an alternative/renewable electricity generation power by their research. 2. Less than 50 percent of the UNN community either know of the Energy Centre’s activities or have utilized the alternatively/renewable sourced electricity products from the centre.
1.8
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION / ANALYSIS
To satisfactorily resolve the technical questions raised in this research we shall rely on both the primary and secondary data sources with bias for the former
33 because the technical inclination of the study demands that we adopt the direct observation technique, the interview and questionnaire techniques. Two sets of questionnaire shall be employed for our study. The first set shall be targeted at the managers of the Energy Centre UNN to obtain information on our technical curiosity. As such, our first set of questionnaire can only assume a purposive/judgmental non-probabilistic survey on a population sample of the centre’s managers. The second set of our questionnaire shall adopt the probabilistic form and shall be targeted at the general population sample within our area of study. The data generated from all our data sources shall be presented in a way that would give first hand appreciation of the resolution of the questions posed in the study by adopting simple comparative tables and presenting the percentage variation among our total respondents per unit of question item on the questionnaire.
1.9
RESEARCH DESIGN The first set of our questionnaire (questionnaire A) targeted at the Energy
Centre’s senior management/personnel shall be administered to 50 percent of the estimated total population of 40 personnel. This shall leave us with a population sample of 20 persons. We base our over all study on the UNN community. For the purpose of this study this shall include only the combined resident adult working population and the resident student population. Our investigation put this population to approximately five (5) thousand. The second set of our questionnaire (questionnaire B) shall be targeting 10 percent of this population. We are therefore left with a population sample of 500 persons.
34 The contents of the two sets of questionnaires are drafted in a way that would comprehensively generate answers that will resolve both of our research questions and hypotheses. We wish to outline the modalities for the empirical verification for our stated hypotheses. To prove the first hypothesis either way, three modes of data will be analyzed. These include the interview, direct observation, and the survey questionnaires on a sampled population of the staff of the centre. The objective of our detailed survey is to determine and verify whether the Energy Centre has by its internal research developed an alternative electricity power generation from renewable energy. The prove of the second hypothesis either way shall be determined by the percentage variation between the respondents who answered in affirmation or otherwise to the questions directed at their knowledge of the Centre either by their awareness of its projects or their utilization of the Centre’s products. In this way we would be able to test the usefulness of the Energy Centre established since about three decade ago to its immediate constituency – the UNN community. In this study we deem it unnecessary to undertake some rigorous statistical test since the nature of the questions raised and the data collection and analysis technique employed can simply test our two hypotheses by tabular presentation, etc.
35
REFERENCES Ake Cluade (1981), A Political Economy of Africa, Lagos: Longman Energy Commission of Nigeria (2003), National Energy Policy, April. Abuja:The Pesidency. Energy Information Administration (2009), “Country Analysis Briefs – Nigeria”, Washington D. C.: Department of Energy. As in May 2009, the information was accessed at: www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Nigeria/Background.html. Ezeugo E. M. (2003), “Cost Imperatives of the solar PV panel: A Comparative Analysis. Unpublished B.Egr. Thesis, department of electrical Engineering, UNN. Hornsby et al (1995), Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary. Fifth Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Ijeoma Stanley (2008), “Nigeria’s electricity Crises, Renewable Energy And the Opportunities”, in Babel: The Multilingual, Multicultural Online Journal and Community of Arts and Ideas. ( WordPress & BuddyPress – Article accessed in May 2009 at: http://towerofbabel.com/2008/06/26/nigeria-electricity-crises-renewable-energy-theopportunities/). Ketlogetswe C. (2009), “Lessons and Challenges Encountered in the Implementation of solar Energy – The case of Botswana”. Open Renewable Energy Journal. Vol.2, U.A.E.: Bentham Science Publishers. . Melford Ita (2003), “Nigeria: Warming up to solar energy”. Science in Africa. November. (Article accessed in May 2009 at: www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2003/ November/solar.htm Nafeh, S. A. (2009), “An Optimum Strategy for Energy Managemrnt in a Remote Area Stand-Alone PV System”. Open Renewable Energy Journal. Vol.2, U.A.E.: Bentham Science Publishers. National Centre for Energy Research and Development (2009), “Our Mandates, Vision, Mission, Projects”, UNN, Nsukka: NCERD. (Information Accessible on www.ncerd-unn.org). Nwaogo C. M. (2003), “Biofuels Production: The Basic Techniques and Comercial Implications for Nigeria. Unpublished B.Engr. Thesis, Department of Petroleum Engineering, FUTO. Obama Barack (2008), “Remarks of Senator Barack Obama ‘The American Promise’, Democratic Convention, Denver Colorado, August 28th”. Accessible at: http://thepage.time.com/prepared-remarks-of-obamas-nomination-acceptancespeech/
36 Ogunleye O. J. (2009), “Alternative Energy and its Ponential Impacts on Development of Rural Communities”. Paper Delivered at the USAID Sensitization Workshop on Alternative Energy Development. Calabar. Cross River State. June. Okonkwo W. I. (2006), “Strategic Plan (2006-2011)” UNN, Nsukka: Solar/Geothermal Unit, NCERD. (visit: www.ncerd-unn.org). Osuji, T. O. (2009), “Can African Countries Leap from Primitive Communalism to Industrialized Status?’’ Daily Triumph, Thursday March 12. Rilwanu Lukman (2003), “Foreward”, National Energy Policy, Abuja: The
Presidency.
37
CHAPTER TWO A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (NCERD), UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA. Relying on the information posted to the website of the Energy Centre UNN, a comprehensive review of the centre’s historical background, mandate and mission, projects and programmes, research activities, etc can be reviewed.
2.1
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The Energy Centre, UNN is a federal funded establishment under the
supervision of the Energy Ccommission of Nigeria (ECN), in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. The Centre is charged with research, development, training and dissemination of solar and other renewable energy technology responsibilities. It was established in 1980.
2.2
THE MANDATE The
centre
was
established
to
carry
out
research,
development,
dissemination, commercialization and manpower training in the various areas of renewable and non-renewable energy technologies such as Solar, Biomass, Biofuels, Wind, Hydro, Geothermal, fossil fuels, Energy management and Environment.
2.3
VISION AND MISSION
The vision of the centre as enumerated by it includes: To fulfill its mandate to such level where renewable and other energy technologies will diffuse into the national economy and make a significant contribution to the energy mix of the country. To attain a high standard of performance in the R&D activities comparable to similar centers in any part of the world. The centre’s mission goals are outline as follows:
38 Addressing emerging socio-economic challenges of national development in the areas of energy availability and supply through basic research and development in renewable, alternative energy technologies, energy management and environment. Setting up extension programmes, pilot and commercial projects in all renewable and alternative energy options to diffuse these energy technologies into the national economy, stimulate economic growth and generate employment and empowerment.
2.4
PROJECTS AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
The centre reveals the scope of its projects and research activities in the following areas: Photovoltaic Technology – the use of solar cells to convert solar Energy into electricity. Solar/Geothermal Technology – the use of solar energy in heat form. Biomass Technology – fabrication and operation of biodigesters using plant and animal residues as well as brewery effluents as their substrates for biodegradation to biogas. Fossil Energy – research and Development activities targeted at improving the use of existing fossil reserves in addition to identifying novel resources, and Wind and meteorology projects. We have painstakingly reviewed the information outlining the Centre’s activities and have observed that after more than a decade of establishment the information emanating from the centre about its projects and research efforts to the general public still largely consists more in projections and policy statements than in concrete product outputs from the centre. We shall begin the analysis of our collated data in subsequent chapters to seek answers to the questions we are treating in this study.
39
REFERENCE The National Centre for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), “The Background, Mission & Vission statements, etc”. UNN, Nsukka, NCERD (visit: www.ncerd-unn.org/).
40
CHAPTER THREE DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS (i) This chapter treats the first research question and tests the first hypothesis by analyzing data generated by our questionnaire ‘A’, the interview and direct observation on sites.
3.1 INSTRUMENT ADMINISTRATION AND RETRIEVAL A total of 20 questionnaires, representing 50% of the estimated 40 personnel in the senior/management/research personnel of the Energy centre UNN were administered. We recorded a 100% return on the 20 questionnaires administered and all were correctly filled. Table 01 below illustrates this information.
Table 01: Administration and Retrieval of Questionnaire ‘A’ S/No
Designation
1
Senior
Num. Administered 6 (30%)
Num. retrieved 6 (100%)
Num. correctly filled 6 (100%)
7 (35%)
7 (100%)
7 (100%)
7 (35%)
7 (100%)
7 (100%)
20 (100%)
20 (100%)
20 (100%)
Manager/Principal Officer 2
Management Staff/Higher Officer
3
Research Fellow/Research Assistant Total
41
3.2
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF PRELIMINARY SURVEY DATA (DEMOCRAPHICS). Data generated from the survey were computed in percentages and
presented below in tables. Our analysis of survey results derive directly from figures presented in the table. Data generated were separated into two component parts, namely:preliminary survey data and main survey data. Each table attempts to treat an aspect of the findings contained in the questionnaire survey.
Table 02: Sex Distribution of Respondents S/No
Sex
1
Male
Number of Percentage to respondents total respondents 16 80
2
Female
4
20
20
100
Total
Table 02 above shows a less than 1/5 of women in the senior/ management and research personnel in the administration of the Energy Centre, UNN. It clearly suggests a poor participation of women in the research activities and management of the centre.
Table 03: Age Distribution of Respondents S/No
Age in years Below 20
Number of respondents 0
Percentage to total respondents 0
1 2
20 – 29
0
0
3
30 – 39
6
30
4
40 – 49
12
60
5
50 – 59
2
10
20
100
Total
42 Going by Table 03 above, the fact that persons of 40 years and above constitute more than 60 percent of the respondents who comprise the upper cadre of the centre’s staff suggests that the Energy Centre UNN has fairly come of age and might have being run by experienced hands.
Table 04: Educational Qualification of Respondents. S/No Qualification
Number of respondents
% to total No. of qualification
1
WASC/GCE/Equivalent
0
0
2
Post Sec. Cert/Diploma
0
0
3
Degree / Equivalent
8
40
4
Higher Degree/Cert./
12
60
20
100
Diploma Total
Analysing table 04 above, the fact that persons of University degrees or equivalents and higher University degrees are 100 percent of our respondents indicates that the Energy Centre’s management and research activities are in the hand of highly educated personnel. We assume from the foregoing that the research objectives and the management of the Energy Centre, UNN are entrusted with capable personnel.
3.3
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF MAIN SURVEY DATA A total number of seven questions revolving around six core distinct issues
were put forward in our questionnaire ‘A’ and administered to the sampled population of the higher cadre of the Energy Centre’s management and research staff. We considered it unsuitable to rank or score the responses since we are dealing with concrete facts on ground rather than opinion based issues. As such we
43 limited our envisaged responses to simple “yes” or “No” and provided spaces where our respondents could fill in or tick on the appropriate option or make comments as the case may be. The six core issues covered in our questionnaire can be outline as follows: A. The respondents’ knowledge of the Energy Centre’s research projects/ programmes B. Which among the alternative/renewable energy research areas has the Energy Centre greater core competence C. Which among the alternative/renewable energy research areas has the Centre, by its internal research, developed electricity gerneration power D. Whether the Centre’s electricity power products developed from the alternative/renewable energy could be installed for public use E. Whether such products referred to above have been install anywhere on the UNN campus; where to be located and if functional. F. Whether the objective for establishing the energy centre has been achieved Analysis of the collated questionnaires shows the view of our respondents to each question item as follows; (i)
Question item (A): 20 of our respondents representing 100 percent of the persons administered
the questionnaire answered in the affirmative to the question raised. (ii)
Question item (B): 20 of our respondents representing 100 percent of the person administered
the questionnaire filled in solar energy relevant to the question raised. Only one person, representing 5 percent of the total respondents mentioned additional area of core competence – Biomass.
44 (iii)
Question item (C): 20 of our respondents representing 100 percent of persons administered the
questionnaire filled in solar energy/electricity relevant to the question raised. (iv)
Question item (D): 20 of our respondents representing 100 percent of persons administered the
questionnaire answered in the affirmative relevant to the question raised. (v)
Question item (E): All of the respondents answered in the affirmative relevant to the question
raised. 18 of the respondents representing 90% of the total respondents filled in the Energy Centre and the UNN Medical Centre as sites where the products are in use; 1 respondent, representing 5% of the respondents, in addition to the Energy Centre and UNN Medical Centre, filled in Igbo-Eze North L.G.A Secretariat outside the campus as the sites where the products are in use; while 1 respondent representing another 5%, in addition to the Energy Centre and UNN Medical Centre filled in the street lighting of the main gate avenue and the street besides Nkrumah hostel as the sites where the products are in use. (vi)
Question item (F): 16 of our respondents representing 80 percent of the total respondents stated
that the objective for establishing the Energy Centre UNN has been achieved but were quick to comment that this was only minimally, given that the centre has only achieved reasonable results in the solar energy research and development while many other areas of research and development of renewable energy still lie fallow. The remaining 4 respondents that represent 20 percent of the total flatly stated that the objective for establishing the centre has not in anyway come close to
45 being achieved given that the centre still lags far behind its billing on renewable energy research and development. All of the respondents (100%) are, however, unified in the identification of the major hindrance to the Energy Centre’s success. They cited poor funding, lack of clear direction and political will on the part of the government as the major problem hindering the set objectives of the centre. Table 05 below is an illustration of all these findings in a more graphical form.
46
Table 05: An illustration of the finding of the main survey Data of Questionnaire ‘A’ Question item
Number of respondent
% to total number
A
20
B
C
Relevant comment(s)
100
Response to the main question Yes
20
100
Solar Energy
Nil
1
5
Solar Energy Biomass
1.solar Energy 2. Fossil Energy 3. Biomass 4. Wind Energy 5. Hydro Power
20
100
Solar energy/
Nil
1. Solar Electricity
Nil
Solar
2. others
electricity D
20
100
Yes
E
20
100
Yes
18
90
Yes
Energy Centre and UNN medical centre
1
5
Yes
Energy Centre, UNN medical centre and Igbo-Eze
Nil
North L.G.A Sec.
1
5
Yes
Energy Centre UNN, Med. Centre, Main Gate Avenue and Franco street lighting.
F
Relevant list
16
80
Yes
Minimal objective achieved
4
20
No
No meaningful objective achieved
20
100
-
Poor funding, lack of political will and clear direction of government as a drawback to the centre’s success.
47 Our analysis of the main survey data; the select interview among the high ranking research personnel of the Energy Centre UNN and the confirmatory site investigation on relevant locations on the UNN campus have resolved the first question of the research, namely: that the Energy Centre UNN has by its internal research develop an alternative electricity power with the renewable energy – solar energy. Our analysis equally resolved our first hypothesis, though to the contrary, namely: that the Energy Centre UNN, has by their research developed an alternative/renewable electricity generation power in the form of solar PV.
48
CHAPTER FOUR DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS (ii) In this chapter we treat the second research question and second hypothesis by analyzing data gathered from our Questionnaire ‘B’
4.1. INSTRUMENT ADMINISTRATION AND RETRIEVAL Questionnaire ‘B’ was targeted at the combined estimated population of approximately 5000 persons, made up of both resident staff and students on the UNN campus. A 10 percent (500 persons) population sample were actually randomly selected to fill the questionnaires with due observation to the proportional population ratio of students to staff of 8:2. The exercise saw a very high return of questionnaires because of the time devoted and the systematic principles observed in administering them. Below is the table that illustrates the exercise.
Table 06: Administration and Retrieval of Questionnaire ‘B’ Place of Admin.
Number Distributed
Number Returned
% of Return
Num. Well filled
% of Num.Well filled
Staff Qters Nkrumah Okpara Hall Maryslessor Balewa Hall Mbanefo
100 50 50 50 50 50
89 50 47 43 48 50
89 100 94 86 96 100
89 50 47 43 40 56
100 100 100 100 83 92
Alvan Hall Akpabio Total
50 50 500
41 49 465
82 98 93 avg.
40 47 450
97.56 95.91 97 apprx.
49 From Table 06 above we can see that an average 93 percent return was recorded on the questionnaires administered. This represents 465 out of 500 in absolute figures. We equally recorded as high as an approximately 97 percent of correctly filled questionnaires, representing 450 out of 465 in absolute figures.
4.2 PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF PRELIMINARY SURVEY DATA (DEMOGRAPHICS) Data generated from the questionnaire survey were computed in percentages and presented below in tables. We shall analyze our data in two distinct parts, namely: preliminary survey data and the main survey data. Apart from the two tables that summarize the salient demographics, the other table under the main survey data analysis shall be devoted to summarising our respondents’ views on all the seven question items on the questionnaire.
Table 07: Sex Distribution of Respondents S/No
Sex
Num. Returned
% of Num. Returned
Num.Well Filled
% of Num. Well Filled
1
Male
229
49
222
49
2
Female 236
51
228
51
Total
100
450
100
465
From Table 07 above we can see that the females enjoyed slight majority of 51% to 49% over the males for both the total number of respondents who returned their questionnaires and the total number who correctly filled. The reason is nothing other than the fact that we fairly observed the numerical advantage of the female to male hostels on the campus as we shared our questionnaires to 4 female hostels to 3 hostels for the males. This is apart from the staff quarters and Nkrumah (PG) hostels that have fair representation for both sexes. For specificity, at the staff
50 quarters, the females recorded 34 percent return of questionnaires representing 30 questionnaires in absolute figures while the males returned 59 questionnaires representing 66 percent. At the PG Hostel, the males returned 30 questionnaires (60%) while the females returned 20 questionnaires (40%).
Table 08: Age Distribution of Respondents S/No 1
Age in Years Below 20
Num. Well filled 87
% to total well Filled 19.33
2
20 – 29
214
47.56
3
30 – 39
33
7.33
4
40 – 49
96
21.33
5
50+
20
4.44
Total
450
100
Table 08 above is quite informative. We can see that those below 30 years constitute the bulk (67%) of our respondents. This is not surprising considering that resident undergraduates formed the bulk of those administered. Also we can see that for persons in this category only 19 percent of all respondents (450) and 29 percent of respondents below 30 years (301) are actually below 20 years. This was expected because we had tried as much as possible to exclude the first and to some extent, the second year students from our respondents because we assume they do not know much about the University environment. A further look in the table can show that respondents of the ages 30 – 49 years constituted 29 percent (129) of total dully certified questionnaires. This depicts a fair share of the questionnaires administered to the Post graduate and staff residences and equally portrays the dominant age of person in this category.
51 On the overall, we can infer a percentage disparity between our undergraduate respondents on the one hand and the post graduate and staff respondents on the other at 67 percent to 33 percent. This is very much in line with the mode of our questionnaire administration.
4.3 PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF MAIN SURVEY DATA A total number of seven questions testing the respondents’ knowledge on a wide range of issues on the Energy Centre UNN were presented in our questionnaire “B”. The seven aspects of knowledge by which our respondents were tested on the Energy Centre activities are outlined as follows: A. Testing the popularity of the Energy Centre as an important entity on the UNN Campus. B. Testing the respondents’ source/means of awareness of the Energy Centre over a range of options. C. Testing the respondents to know if they could correctly identify the Energy Centre’s core objective(s) among other options. D. To know if our respondents are familiar with the centre’s products/ services and can easily mention them. E. To ascertain whether our respondents actually feel the Energy Centre’s product / services have benefited them. F. To get little specifics from the respondents on their assumed utilization of the Centre’s products/services. G. To find out whether what the respondents see as the core objective(s) for establishing the Energy centre has been achieved. The analysis of our survey data collated from the questionnaire “B” shows our respondents’ views on the specific question items as presented below:
52 (i) Question item (A): A total of 222 persons who correctly filled the questionnaire ‘B’ ticked the option indicating that the name “Energy Centre’ was a popular one on the UNN campus. This is 49 percent of all correctly filled questionnaires. Another 185 persons representing 41 percent countered, ticking the ‘Not popular’ option. The remaining 43 persons (10%) indicated that they were not at all familiar with the name. (ii) Question item (B): A total number of 300 persons representing 66 percent of the total duly filled questionnaires ticked the option indicating their knowledge of the centre by their awareness forum. Another 107 person representing 24 percent indicated that they were aware of the centre by its products and services while the remaining 43 persons (10%) indicated that they knew nothing concerning the centre. (iii) Question item (C): The response of our respondents was rather interesting to this question item. 60 percent of them which is a total of 270 persons in absolute figure indicated that they were not familiar with the centre’s objectives and roles; another 30 percent (135 persons) correctly identified with either one or both of options ‘a’ & ‘c’ (see Table 09) which corresponds with the centre’s bottom line goals while the remaining 45 persons (10%), rather hazarded a guess on option ‘b’. (iv) Question item (D) : A total number of 301 respondents (67%) either left the spaces vacant indicating their lack of knowledge of the Energy Centre’s products/services or filled in products/services totally outside the scope of the centre, in essence, further betraying their level of knowledge on the centre’s activities. The remaining 149 persons (33%) listed at least one product from the Energy centre.
53 (v)
Question item (E) : Only 35 percent of our respondents (158 persons) could state that the
products/services of the centre have benefited them. The remaining 292 persons (65%) stated otherwise. (vi)
Question item (F): Only 135 persons (30%) of the correspondents could coherently state how the
products/services of the centre have benefited them, citing issues ranging from employment provision, training of energy engineers to the solar electricity on some spots on the UNN campus. The remaining 315 persons (70%) either declined comments or filled in comment that were apparently out of range from the centre’s products/services benefit scope. (vii)
Question item (G): A total of 200 persons (44%) of our total respondents answered in the
affirmative to the question raised but just 105 persons out of this number, which is actually 23 percent of total respondents made any relevant comment pertaining to their answer. The remaining 250 persons (56%) essentially answered to the contrary but only 50 persons out of this number, which is 11 percent of the total respondents made relevant comments to their answer. Table 09 below is an exhaustive illustration of our overall findings with the survey.
54
Table 09: An illustration of the Questionnaire “B” main survey findings Question item
Num. of Respondents
% to total Number
Option/ Response
A
222 185 43
49 41 10
Option ‘a’ Option ‘b’ Option ‘c’
(a) Yes, Popular (b) No, not popular (c) Not familiar with the name
450
100
300 107 43
66 24 10
Option ‘b’ Option ‘a’ Option ‘c’
(a) Products/ service, (b) Awareness forum (c) Know nothing about the centre
450
100
270 135 45
60 30
Option ‘d’ Either ‘a’ or ‘c’ or both Option ‘b’
(a) To research and develop alternative renewable source of electricity (b) An office of the PHCN on campus (c)Training of Energy mgt Engineers & personnel (d) Not familiar with the centres objectives
B
C
10
D
450
100
301
67
149
33
Relevant/Commets/Remarks
Nil, listed products outside the centre’s production. Solar electricity, solar dryer etc.
450
100
Related choice options list
55 Table 09 contd.
E
F
G
Average total
158 929
35 65
Option ‘a’ Option ‘b’
Benefited from the products / services Not Benefited
450
100
135 315
30
Cited coherent benefits
70
Either decline comment or misplaced citation
Solar Electricity on the UNN campus, Employment generation and manpower training etc. Misplaced citation of assumed centre’s benefits
Essentially “yes” Essentially “no”
Only 23% commented relevantly Only 11% commented relevantly
450
100
200 250
44 56
450
100
450
100
(a) Yes (b) No, (c) not me but someone else
56 Table 09 above is very informative. We now do a break down on the findings to see how they answer our second research question and prove the second hypothesis. From the table we can see 51 percent of the respondents either indicated that the name “Energy Centre” is not popular or not at all known to them. The remaining 49 percent of them stated otherwise. What this indicates is that the results from the centre’s activities are yet to fully permeate and be felt by the University community. Again from the table we can see that only 24 percent of the respondents actually came to know the centre by its products/services, while the remaining 76 percent of them came to know the centre by its awareness forum (66%) or knew nothing whatsoever about the centre (10%). The
above
pattern
of
response
simply
shows
that
the
centre’s
products/services are minutely impactful to the University community. Even more clarifying is the question item that tested the respondents knowledge (or call it guess) of the centre’s core objectives with options listed. Only 30 percent of them could either list one or both of the correct options included in the list. The remaining 70 percent either knew nothing about its objectives (60%) or simply take it to be an extension of the PHCN office on campus (10%). This pattern of response shows that a majority of the University community knew very little about the scope of the Energy Centre’s activities; much less know about their expectations from it. Even as the foregoing analysis would suffice in resolving the second research question and hypotheses, subsequent findings as illustrated in the table even reinforced the pattern already identified. We can see for instance that only 33
57 percent of the respondents could list the products known to them from the Energy Centre. The remaining 67 percent mostly left the space vacant or listed products which apparently amounted to a guess work and clearly not belonging to the centre. And when it came to the benefits our respondents feel they have derived from the centre, only 35 percent of them answered in the affirmative while a 65 percent majority countered. Further, when the issue burns down to concretely stating how our respondents might have benefited from the centre, only 30 percent of them cited reasonable benefits while a 70 percent majority either declined comments apparently because they do not know or cited illogical benefits. Lastly as to whether our respondents feel that the objective for establishing the centre has been achieved; 44 percent essentially concurred with only 105 persons (23% of total respondents) making relevant comments to support their answer. On the other side, 56 percent essentially answered in the negative but only 50 persons (i.e. 11% of total respondents) made relevant comment as to their stand. Overall, a total of 155 persons (34%) actually made comments either way indicating their knowledge of the Energy Centre. The foregoing analysis based on the painstaking survey with the draft questionnaire ‘B’; the site inspection and interviews and the status of a participant observer have all combined to resolved the second question in this research. Our findings have comprehensibly shown that the University community has not substantially benefited from the solar electricity which is a pioneer electricity product developed from the alternative/renewable energy research of the Energy Centre UNN.
58 Equally, the second hypothesis in the research has been proved. It can be seen from our exhaustive illustration of findings that far below 50% of the UNN community either know of the Energy Centre’s activities or have direct use of its solar electricity product.
59
CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS A close study of this research report would reveal a pattern of analysis that sought the principles of measurability as much as possible. From the identification of the research problem, through the raising of the research questions, to the proposing of our hypotheses, down to the gathering of relevant data, we had maintained some form of preciseness that is quite uncommon with the prevalent attitude, namely: extravagant citation within and outside the scope of the study at hand with the objective just to make bulky report. We had as much as possible limited ourselves to the issues that would resolve the puzzle on hand.
5.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Two questions were put forward for research as identified in our problem statement. The review of the literature, caried out in line with the tone of the questions of the research confirmed that they were yet to be resolved in a systematic research. The questions were posed as follows: 1. Has the Energy Centre UNN by its internal research developed an alternative/renewable source of electricity generation power? 2. Has the UNN community substantially benefited from the alternatively/renewable sourced electricity products developed by the Energy Centre UNN? Two related hypotheses were advanced in each case to tempo the tone down for measurability, and we had hypothesized thus: 1. The Energy Centre UNN has not developed an alternative/renewable electricity generation power by its research.
60 2. Less than 50 percent of the UNN community either know of the Energy Centre’s activities or have utilized alternatively sourced electricity products from the centre. All necessary methods of data collection were observed with bias for the self report, interview and direct observation techniques which suited the nature of this research. Survey Questionnaires ‘A’ and ‘B’ were drafted to gather adequate data for questions/hypotheses one and two respectively. The Questionnaire ‘A’ was more technical in nature and was targeted at the experts at the centre of the research of the Energy Centre, UNN. It contained the salient elements of interviews conducted in the centre too. Questionnaire ‘B’ was targeted at the general University community public and contains the elements that survey their collective perceptions of the Energy Centre under study. Apart from the self report surveys and interviews, we had undertaken an extended site inspection at all the locations mentioned by our varied respondents to see the actual working of the products referred to. At the end of analysis of the data collated on all the above techniques, the two research questions were satisfactorily answered, the two hypotheses were equally resolved. For the first question available data indicate that the centre has developed solar electricity and the evidence readily points to a large solar panel mounted at the Centre which capacity was said to be capable of powering the centre. It is also replicated at the medical centre UNN. Other smaller panels can be spoted on few locations on the campus such as some main street lighting within the Campus. The first hypothesis was equally resolved, although proving our hypothesis to the contrary. Available data shows that a number of renewable electrical products
61 were forthcoming but the solar electricity has particularly gone advance - all products from the Energy Centre’s research efforts. The second research question was adequately answered by the available data. The business of the Energy Centre is yet to meaningfully impact on the lives of a reasonable number of the UNN residents in terms of the utility derived from the use of its supposed electricity products developed from the research in renewable energy, etc. The second hypothesis was supported too, much less than 50 percent of the UNN residents can concretely state what the Energy Cente stands for; has no concrete expectations on the business of the Centre and has no constant use of the centre’s solar electricity at their respective residents.
5.2. CONCLUSION This research was motivated on the backdrop of the power inadequacy in the country; the full awareness of the importance of suitable power supply in national development goals and the deleterious effects the lack of it could engender for her socio-economic ambitions. These questions thus arose: Has Nigeria exhausted the options nature endowed her with the abundance of natural resources from which power could be sourced?; Has an agency like the Energy Centre UNN, mandated with the objective in this line in mind, for over two decades ago accomplished meaningful results in this line?; Could an electricity generating power be actually developed by indigenous research on renewable energy such as solar, wind, etc.? And could it be feasible to readily install such renewable sourced electricity power for municipal use? These puzzles formed the bedrock of our research endeavour. The study which, however, cannot boast of 100 percent objectivity or perfect application of techniques for reliability, nevertheless made appluadable inroads towards tackling the objectives we set out to accomplish.
62 Our findings indicate that it is feasible to embark on an extensive research into renewable energy in the country and develop renewable electricity generation power that would augment the traditional hydro power/thermal stations and usher in free wheeling development of the country. The study is, however, limited both within the scope of our observation and the technical nature of this research. First, the study is by no means exhaustive of the salient issues to be studied about an agency like the Energy Centre, UNN. In as much as this study could enlighten the people that may make use of it, our focus in this study is only a scratch on the surface. For instance, we have not concerned ourselves with the issues of cost of installation, maintenance and other miscellaneous to see how they may hinder the development and utilization of renewable electricity products. These shortcomings, we hope, would open new vistas on energy research in the country. Second, we are limited to the extent we can go in answering the technical questions put forward in this study. An example is the first research question as to whether the Energy Centre has developed a renewable electricity generation power by its research? To what extent can we go technically to determine whether the solar electricity (solar panel) is a product of the Energy Centre, UNN? This line of arguement raises the issues of local content, patency, etc. This underscores the extent we have ventured technically and leaves gaps for further research. The stated limitations above detract from the objectives this study could have accomplished. We nevertheless hope that the present study would generate enough interest in further researches into renewable/alternative energy options open to the country.
63
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS Perhaps the start of wisdom in appraising policy in Nigeria is to accept that the political will of the ruling elite of the government in place wholesomely dictate the implementation of all national policies. The basic question about the Nigeria government and policy over the years is not much as to tackling the most efficient implementation of lofty policies, often well drafted too, than as it is to who occupies which office or position and how much percuniary benefits is to be accumulated therein. The later factor generates the kind of rivalry that often shifts attention from concerted efforts by agency personnel in pursuing fundamental goals down into the basic politics of “who gets what, when and how?” On all national policies, a trend can be identified whereby the government deploys the full use of its propaganda as to what one policy or the other would accomplish in a given time only for the policy to be jettisoned by it in a short while or entirely thrown away by its successor. We are not at all surprised. It explains the stage of our historical development. Granted that the Energy Centre UNN has competent hands as both our interview and the purposive self report survey data have shown; how come, that for over 20 years of establishment, the Centre could not boast of lighting the entire campus with its solar electricity or even run the Energy Centre itself entirely on solar power as we found out not to be during this research? The finger-pointing, of course was directed towards government and its poor funding; lack of political will and clear directive as indicated by 100 percent of our expert respondents in the survey. The recommendations in this study are rather simple and are as presented below.
64 In the first place, it is high time the country realized that the journey to changing the energy equation of the world has just begun. In so far as the campaign for environmental pollution continues to gain ground globally, recourse must increasingly continue to be had with renewable energy resources. The second realization is to note that the demand and supply for renewable energy by-products; a trend which will soon be a dominant feature of the global energy mix, will be inversely proportional to the demand for fossil fuel derivatives, hence the accruable revenue for their respective possessors. This clearly calls for repositioning and resrategizing by the nation on its energy policy. The third fact to be realized by the government is that by embracing the renewable energy technology early enough, the country can position once more in the near future while presently conserving its fossil resources for aggressive national industrialization before it is imposed with a pollution ceiling with the use of fossil-fuel derivatives. This trend is already unfolding gradually among the industrialized nations. While the foregoing summarize our proactive view on the overall energy policy, the country should adopt a pragmatic approach in tackling her gross electricity power defficiency by exploring a holistic alternatives in renewable energy resources, with due consideration for cost effectiveness.
65
BIBLIOGRAPHY BOOKS Ake, Claude (1981), A Political Economy of Africa. Nigeria, Lagos: Longman. Hornsby, A.S. et al (1995), Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary. Fifth Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
JOURNALS PUBLICATIONS Ketlogetswe, C. (2009), “Lessons and Challenges Encountered in the Implementation of Solar Energy – The case of Botswana”. Open Renewable Energy Journal, Vol.2. U.A.E.:Bentham Science Publishers. Nafeh, S. A. (2009), “An Optimum Strategy for Energy Managemrnt in a Remote Area Stand-Alone PV System”. Open Renewable Energy Journal, Vol.2. U.A.E.:Bentham Science Publishers.
GOVERNMENT & AGENCY PUBLICATIONS Energy Commission of Nigeria (2003), National Energy Policy, April. Abuja: The Presidency. Energy Information Administration (2009), “Country Analysis Briefs – Nigeria”. May. Washington D. C.: Department of Energy. National Centre for Energy Research and Development (2009), “Our Mandates, Vision, Mission, Projects”, UNN, Nsukka: NCERD. Okonkwo, W. I. (2006), “Strategic Plan (2006-2011)”, UNN, Nsukka: Solar/Geothermal Unit, NCERD. . Rilwanu, Lukman (2003), “Foreward”. National Energy Policy, April, Abuja: The Presidency.
UNPUBLISHED WORKS Ezeugo, E. M. (2003), Cost Imperatives of the solar PV panel: A Comparative Analysis. Unpublished B.Engr. Thesis, Department of Electrical Engineering, UNN.
66 Nwaogo, C. M. (2003), Biofuels Production: The Basic Techniques and Comercial Implications for Nigeria. Unpublished B.Engr. Thesis, Department of Petroleum Engineering, FUTO. Ogunleye, O. J. (2009), “Alternative Energy and its Ponential Impacts on Development of Rural Communities”. Paper Delivered at the USAID Sensitisation Workshop on Alternative Energy Development. Calabar. Cross River State. June.
INTERNET ARTICLES & NEWSPAPERS Ijeoma, Stanley (2008), “Nigeria’s electricity Crises, Renewable Energy and the Opportunities”, in Babel: The Multilingual, Multicultural Online Journal and Community of Arts and Ideas, WordPress & BuddyPress – http://towerofbabel.com/ 2008/06/26/Nigeria-electricity-crises-renewable-energy-the-opportunities/
Melford, Ita (2003), “Nigeria: Warming up to Solar Energy”, Science in Africa. November. Accessible at http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2003/november/solar. htm. Obama, Barack (2008), Remarks of Senator Barack Obama ‘American Promise’, Democratic Convention, Colorado, August 28th”. Accessible at: http://thepage. time.com/prepared-remarks-of-obamas-nomination-acceptance-speech/ Osuji, T. O. (2009), “Can African Countries Leap from Primitive Communalism to Industrialized Status?” Daily Triumph, Thursday March 12.
67
APPENDIX 1 QUESTIONNAIRE (A) Department of Political Science University of Nigeria Nsukka. Dear Chief/Sir/ Madam, I am a student of the M.Sc - Science Technology and Public Policy degree programme of the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. As part of my academic requirements, I am conducting a research project which
seeks
answers
from
the
public
on
their
evaluation
of
alternative/renewable energy resources/products in Nigeria with focus on the Energy Centre, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Kindly assist me by completing the attached questionnaire. Your responses will be used exclusively for this academic exercise. Names and addresses are not required. Thank you. Yours faithfully, IGWEBUEZE ISAIAH U. PG/M.SC/07/42828
68
PART A: PRELIMINARY INFORMATION INSTRUCTION: Please tick
√
in the box that corresponds with the correct option as it
applies to you where applicable. 1 Sex: (a) Male
(b) female
2 Age: (a) below 20 years
(b) 20-29 yrs (c) 30-39 yrs
(d) 40-49
yrs (e)50 yrs & above 3 Educational Qualification: (a) WASC /GCE or Equivalent (b) Post Secondary Certificate /Diploma (c) Degree/equivalent (d) Higher Degree/Certificate/Diploma 4 Rank /Designation: (a) Director / CEO (b) Senior Manager / Principal Officer (c) Management staff /Higher Officer (d) Any other (please specify) ------------------------------------------------------PART B PRIMARY RESEARCH DATA 5 Based on your position in this organization, I take it you are aware of the Energy Centre’s research projects/programmes? (a) Yes
(b) No
69
6 By your knowledge, for how many years now has the energy centre started research into alternative/renewable energy? (a) 1-5 years
(b) 5-10 yrs
(c) 10-15 yrs
(d) 15-20 yrs
7 Which of the following Energy research areas would you consider the Energy centre UNN to have core competence? (a) Solar Energy Wind Energy
(b Fossil Energy
(c) Biomass
(d)
(e) Hydro Power
8 In which of the above Energy research areas has your centre, by its internal research developed an alternative/ a renewable electricity power? Please state: _________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 9 Assuming your response above is in affirmative, it then means that your centre’s electric power model(s) can be deployed for public use? (a) Yes
(b) No
If “No” please state reason _________________________________ 10 If your last response is “Yes”, please name where on the UNN campus such is deployed/installed and operational ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70
11
Has the purpose of the energy centre been realised? (a) Yes
(b) No
Please give a comment relevant to your response -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 You may wish to make other relevant general comment on the energy centre ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for your invaluable time.
71
APPENDIX 2 QUESTIONNAIRE (B) Department of Political Science University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Dear Chief/Sir/Madam, I am a student of the M.Sc – Science Technology and Public Policy degree programme of Political Science Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. As part of my academic requirements, I am conducting a research project which seeks data from the public on their evaluation of alternative/renewable energy resources/products in Nigeria, with focus on the Energy Centre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Kindly assist me by completing the attached questionnaire. Your response will be used exclusively for this academic exercise. Names and addresses are not required. Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
IGWEBUEZE ISAIAH U. PG/M.SC/07/42828
72
PART A: PRELIMINARY INFORMATION INSTRUCTION: Please tick
√
in the box that corresponds with the correct option as it
applies to you where applicable. 4 SEX: (a) Male
(b) female
5 AGE: (a) below 20 yrs yrs
(b)20-29 yrs
(c) 30-39 yrs
(d) 40-49
(e) 50 yrs and above
6 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION: (e) WASC/GCE or Equivalent (f) Post-Secondary Certificate /Diploma (g) Degree/Equivalent (h) Higher Degree/Certificate/Diploma 4 OCCUPATION/PLACE OF WORK (a) Civil Service UNN (b) Student UNN (c) Others (please specify) ---------------------------------------------------------
PART B: PRIMARY RESEARCH DATA 5 Is
the
name,
“National
Centre
for
Energy
Research
and
Development (NCERD) (i.e. The Energy Centre, UNN) a popular one? (a) Yes, popular (b) No, not popular (c) I am not familiar with the name
73
6 By your association with UNN, you have the awareness of the Energy Centre through: (a) The centre’s products and services (b) The centre’s public awareness forum (c) I know nothing whatsoever about the centre 7 Your understanding of the central objective of the Energy Centre, UNN falls in within one or more of the following: (a) To research and develop alternative/renewable source of electric power to the traditional PHCN/NEPA (b) An office of the PHCN/NEPA on campus (c) Training of Energy management engineers and personnel (d) I am not familiar with the centre’s objectives and roles 8 Name the Energy Centre’s product(s) or service(s) known to you (Please list): (a) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(b) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(c) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(d) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(e) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 Can you sincerely say that any of the Energy centre’s products and services has positively affected your life or that of someone? (a). Yes
(b) No
(c) not me but someone else
74
10 Please briefly specify how the services and products of the Energy Centre, UNN have impacted your life or that of someone on the UNN campus or elsewhere.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11
Has the purpose of the energy centre been realised? (b) Yes
(b) No
Please give a comment relevant to your response ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 You may wish to make other relevant general comment on the Energy Centre, UNN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for your invaluable time.
