ENGR. DR. ABUBAKAR HALIDU MAKES US PROUD TO BE NIGERIAN

 BEHOLD ENGR. DR. ABUBAKAR HALIDU: NIGERIA'S INNOVATIVE ENERGY TECHNOCRAT AND EXPERT

By; Gwebe Joshua Alabama

In the 1970s, the United States of America suffered an energy crisis that almost threatened the economy and way of life of the Americans. However, Dr. Amory Lovins, a physicist and environmental scientist, played a pivotal role in addressing the energy crisis in the country. As the co-founder and chief scientist of the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), he advocated for a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. His pioneering work on energy-efficient building designs, vehicle efficiency, and sustainable energy systems not only reduced energy consumption but also helped mitigate the country's dependence on fossil fuels. Dr. Lovins' innovative strategies and policy recommendations influenced government initiatives and corporate practices, contributing significantly to the mitigation of the energy crisis, and promoting sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

ENGR DR. ABUBAKAR HALIDU

There's no doubt that Nigeria is plagued with an embarrassing energy crisis that has defied solutions since independence. Despite the huge investment in the energy sector, running into billions of dollars, the solution seems to be out of sight. More worrisome is the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources including ample water bodies, the sun, wind, agricultural residues, and other hydrocarbons that can easily be harnessed to end Nigeria's energy problem. One thing is certain, technocrats and experts are not included in the planning and execution of energy roadmaps. There are a lot of Dr. Lovins in Nigeria who are ably qualified but not allowed to reverse our energy crisis for economic prosperity and development.

Engr Dr. Abubakar Halidu

In the face of the lingering energy crisis in Nigeria, the personality, exceptional scholarship, administrative and leadership attributes of Engr. Dr. Abubakar Halidu stands out as the Dr. Lovin of Nigeria's energy quagmire. As a thoroughbred in energy and environmental engineering, Dr. Abubakar Halidu distinguishes himself as a true visionary and expert in the field. With a career spanning over two decades and a track record of groundbreaking research and innovation, he has solidified his reputation as a leading energy technocrat and expert in present-day Nigeria. With him at the helm of affairs, Nigeria's energy crisis will become history in no distant time.

As one destined to fulfill a mission, Engr. Dr. Abubakar Halidu's journey to becoming an energy powerhouse began with a solid educational foundation. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering with honors, setting the stage for a remarkable career. His hunger for knowledge led him to pursue a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, where he delved into the intricacies of biomass conversion for biogas production. Nigeria with abundant agricultural resources and other raw materials relevant to the production of biogas stands to benefit a great deal if a resourceful and highly skilled intellectual like Dr. Abubakar Halidu is given a chance to save the country. With the removal of fuel subsidies on all products, Nigeria needs to turn inwards and harness the abundant opportunities for clean energy with the help of technocrats who have done groundbreaking research on global impact.

Not content with just a Master's degree, Dr. Halidu embarked on a Ph.D. journey that took him to the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in the United Kingdom. His doctoral thesis, "Gasification of agricultural residues for hydrogen production," was nothing short of groundbreaking. Through meticulous research, he explored the potential of spelled husks as an eco-friendly energy source, reducing coal usage and minimizing environmental impact. It is worthy of note that this patent-worthy research can revolutionize Nigeria's energy sector as Nigeria has more than enough raw materials to produce clean and eco-friendly energy. All that's needed is to appoint worthy and deserving sons and daughters who have devoted their lives to finding solutions to the problems we face as a country. Engr. Dr. Abubakar and his kind should not be allowed to retire their outstanding research outputs on the pages of journals alone but as tools for wealth creation and national development. 

Engr Dr. Abubakar Halidu

To share one's knowledge is a thing of honor but to serve is even better. The life of an academic is built around teaching, research, and service to the community. Dr. Abubakar Halidu's contributions extend far beyond research. He has been an integral part of the academic community, serving as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration for students. His dedication led to promotions from Assistant Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, and now, he proudly holds the position of Head of the Civil Engineering Technology Department at the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa. Aside from these, notable contributions, Dr. Abubakar Halidu has distinguished himself as a mentor to both young academics and students alike. He is fondly referred to by colleagues and students alike as the father of Nigeria's renewable and innovative energy solutions because of his passion and dedication.

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Aside from the pursuit of academic excellence, the self-motivated scholar also has vast leadership and administrative experience that's relevant to make him a formidable force in Nigeria's energy sector. In his leadership role, he not only imparts knowledge but also fosters academic and administrative excellence. His commitment to the development of his students and colleagues is truly commendable. As a team player that he is, Nigeria's energy crisis will be over if he is appointed to lead the notorious sector by bringing in experts from other sectors to chart a sustainable energy roadmap.

Modern solutions require teamwork and partnerships and that's what the innovative Engr. has in excess. Dr. Halidu's passion for energy research took him to the University of Newcastle, Upon Tyne, His MSc was also at the University of New Castle United Kingdom where he worked as a Laboratory Demonstrator for M.Eng Chemical Engineering students. His hands-on experience with biomass pyrolysis and gasification added valuable insights to his already extensive knowledge. If given the opportunity, he will harness not just his international contacts but also strike mutually beneficial alliances and partnerships with his colleagues across the globe to usher in a new era of energy efficiency in Nigeria. Now, indeed, is the time to end Nigeria's energy crisis and Dr. Abubakar Halidu is to the rescue.

As mentioned earlier, every responsible and proactive academic has a lot on his hands, and Engr. Dr. Abubakar Halidu is one of them. Beyond academia and research, Dr. Halidu is a community leader, chairing the Help Foundation Initiative in Nasarawa state. Through this Initiative, he provides monetary support to pregnant women during their antenatal days, showcasing his dedication to improving lives beyond the classroom and laboratory. He has also been involved in several other causes including providing scholarships for indigent students all over Nigeria even with his meagre resources. Aside from that, Dr. Lovin of Nigeria has taken it upon himself to teach young Nigerians especially those around him the basics of renewable energy especially biogas production free of charge. This is his way of addressing the menace of unemployment in the country.

One thing that distinguishes an academic and guarantees steady promotions is the quality of research. Dr. Halidu's legacy is also etched in his extensive list of publications and conference papers. His research spans diverse topics, from safety measures in construction to the characterization of renewable energy sources. His contributions to the field are a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing energy technology. His towering academic reputation globally in the area of energy systems engineering and technology has earned him academic laurels and prizes. It will be an unforgivable oversight if Dr. Halidu is not allowed to save the country at this material time when Nigerians are expecting a solution to the energy crisis with the subsidy removal brouhaha. 

Comrade Gwebe Joshua Alabama 

In Engr. Dr. Abubakar Halidu, we find a remarkable energy technocrat and expert, a man whose expertise and dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of energy and environmental engineering. His journey from a young scholar to a renowned leader is a testament to the power of passion, knowledge, and perseverance. Dr. Halidu's work continues to inspire future generations and shape the future of sustainable energy. It will therefore be unfair if he is not allowed to salvage our energy crisis with vast untapped expertise.

Dr. Abubakar Halidu is a Nasarawa state Born scholar.

Gwebe Joshua Alabama, a public affairs commentator writes from Abuja.