Abia State has commenced plans to explore renewable energy alternatives through the deployment of a pilot Biogas Digester project in one of its secondary schools.
The initiative, which will begin in Owerrinta, Isiala Ngwa South, is designed to assess the viability of producing biogas from organic waste generated within schools and public institutions across the state.
Speaking to journalists in Umuahia after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the project would serve as a demonstration of how organic waste can be converted into renewable energy.
According to him, the pilot scheme is also expected to generate research data that could support future large-scale implementation of biogas technology within educational institutions and other government facilities in the state.
Prince Kanu noted that the state government has additionally approved the establishment of a committee focused on innovation commercialisation and research-driven development. He explained that the move is part of the administration’s broader strategy to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions capable of driving economic growth and technological advancement.
The commissioner said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s “Energised Commercialisation Now” programme, which seeks to strengthen innovation and science development across the country. He added that the committee would bring together stakeholders from government, academia, and industry to identify commercially viable research projects.
According to him, the committee’s responsibilities will include identifying credible innovators, start-ups, and researchers in the state while creating opportunities to convert research outputs into economically beneficial products and services.
He further disclosed that the committee would work toward promoting collaboration among academic institutions, industries, and government agencies, while also encouraging the participation of youths and women in innovation and technology-related programmes.
As part of efforts to strengthen science and technology education, the state government also announced plans for a five-day Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Week for secondary school students across the state. The programme is expected to feature educational technology exhibitions, the launch of a STEM platform, and the establishment of Girls in ICT Clubs in 30 secondary schools.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, David Kalu, explained that the biogas project is currently in its early stage and has not yet started gas production.
ALSO READ: Obi Aguocha’s Leadership Philosophy and Its Impact on Constituency Growth
He stated that the pilot initiative is intended to determine the feasibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of converting organic waste into biogas for use in schools and other public institutions. According to him, feedback and results from the project will determine whether it would be expanded to additional schools across the state.
