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UNIZIK Don, Onuegbu, Advocates Briquettes As Future Fuel Solutions
Emeritus Prof. Augustine Nnaluo Eboatu and Prof. Theresa Uzoma Onuegbu, Associate Provost College of Postgraduate Studies and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 110th Inaugural Lecturer held at Unizik Auditorium recently
A Professor of Polymer and Fire Chemistry at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Theresa Uzoma Onuegbu, has urged Nigerians to embrace agricultural waste as a sustainable energy alternative to wood-based fuels, warning that the continued dependence on firewood is accelerating deforestation and environmental degradation across the country.
Delivering the university’s 110th inaugural lecture titled ‘Averting Deforestation Through Deployment of Agricultural Wastes as Sources of Energy for Domestic and Industrial Uses: Perspectives of the Fire Chemistry’, Prof. Onuegbu advocated for the widespread adoption of briquettes produced from agricultural residues such as rice husks, sawdust, and maize stalks.
The lecture, held at the university’s main auditorium, Garuba Square, drew a distinguished audience of academics, students, policymakers, and dignitaries from across Nigeria.
“The high cost of cooking gas, kerosene, and electricity has driven many households in developing countries back to the forests,” she noted. “We must now turn to what we once considered waste—our farm residues—and convert them into usable energy. Fire Chemistry provides the science to make this possible.”
Onuegbu explained that beyond providing clean energy for households, agricultural briquettes can be deployed to meet industrial needs such as machine operations, heating, and even electricity generation, making them a viable solution for both rural and urban communities.
She lamented the environmental consequences of unchecked logging, urban expansion, mining, and subsistence farming, noting that Nigeria’s forest reserves have been severely depleted.
Representing the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, at the event, Prof. Ezimma Nnabuife commended Prof. Onuegbu for her pioneering work, describing the lecture as a bold step toward achieving the university’s vision for sustainable innovation.
Also speaking, Professor Uchenna Eunice Ekpunobi lauded the lecturer as a trailblazer whose research contributions have advanced the fields of Polymer Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Sustainability.
Among dignitaries present were former Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Obidimma Emma; Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu; University Librarian, Prof. Stella Anyasi; former Provost of Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu; and former Deputy Vice Chancellors, Prof. Austin Ebeatu and Prof. Ifedioramma Nwana.
The high point of the occasion was the ceremonial unveiling of Onuegbu’s official portrait and her formal decoration, marking her induction into the prestigious circle of UNIZIK’s inaugural lecturers.
