Inaugural Lecture: University Don Underscores the Role of Organic Waste Driving Biogas Revolution
… Offer Solution to Nigeria’s Energy Crisis and Climate Change
By Agare Israel
The Inaugural Lecturer at the 126th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Calabar, Prof. Ernest Asikong has amplified the crucial role of organic waste in driving the biogas revolution while offering solutions to Nigeria’s energy crisis and climate change.
Prof. Asikong emphasized the importance on 19th July, 2024, while delivering the institution’s 126th Inaugural Lecture with the theme, “Demystifying the Myth of Unprofitability of Microorganisms: Unraveling their Relevance to Humanity, the Environment and Renewable Energy Solution,” held at the Uni-Cal International Conference Centre.
He noted that the potential of organic waste to generate biogas-methane could be a significant solution to Nigeria’s energy crisis if maximally tapped and harnessed for establishing modular and full-capacity refineries. This approach would also help mitigate the global issue of climate change caused by greenhouse gases.
He also posited that biogas has multiple applications, such as use in research laboratories, as cooking gas, and to power generators for electricity, making it a renewable energy solution that can address Nigeria’s energy challenges.
To him, Nigeria, and particularly Cross River State, is rich in diverse, unexploited renewable energy resources and raw materials, especially organic waste, which could provide clean fuel and help resolve the energy crisis and poverty. He highlighted that biogas technology ensures no waste, as the effluents or slurry can be used as organic fertilizer to boost food production.
The erudite Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, further underscored the importance of microorganisms in renewable energy. He stressed that mass-producing methanogenic bacteria (Archaean) could transform the biogas industry in Nigeria by facilitating commercial-scale biogas production.
As the Director of SET P, he also pointed out the relevance of microorganisms in various fields, including agriculture, medicine, pharmaceuticals, the petroleum industry (for bioremediation of oil spills), food production (as probiotics), waste management, and controlling global warming.
Despite the fact that microorganisms can cause certain diseases, Prof. Asikong explained that regular and effective hand washing can control these risks. He advocated for proactive policies to prevent microbial infections through hand washing, emphasizing its role as a cost-effective method to prevent diarrhea and acute respiratory infections (ARI).
In his inaugural lecture, Prof. Asikong encouraged the exploitation of microorganisms in genetic engineering for high-quality products like essential drugs and genetically modified foods, with necessary precautions.
He called on the government to develop indigenous technologies suitable for the nation’s unique circumstances, especially those that can be applied by rural dwellers based on the availability of raw materials, human resources, and economic considerations. He cautioned that developed countries might not transfer their advanced technologies due to political power play, security, economic, and capitalistic interests.
In her remarks, Prof. Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, commended Prof. Asikong for his contributions to Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology. Represented by Prof. Eyong U. Eyong, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, she praised his advocacy for the importance of microorganisms to humanity, the environment, and renewable energy, and described the lecture as a wake-up call for better utilization of microorganisms for human benefit.