Optimising electricity remains fundamental to unlocking Nigeria’s industrial growth, attracting investment and accelerating socio-economic development.
This was the central message at the Distinguished Alumni Lecture organised by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Engineering Lecture Theatre.
The lecture, titled “Optimising Electricity for Powering Nigeria’s New Socio-Economic Frontiers,” was delivered by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engineer Jennifer Adighije.
VC Commends alumna, stresses Industry-Academia collaboration
In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described the lecture as a celebration of excellence, partnership and the enduring legacy of UNILAG. She warmly welcomed Engineer Adighije, a distinguished alumna of the University, whose remarkable professional journey, she said, exemplifies the quality of graduates produced by the institution.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, Engineer Adighije has distinguished herself through visionary leadership, technical competence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to national development, particularly in Nigeria’s infrastructure and power sectors.
Commending the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty Industry Advisory Board, as well as the Department’s Alumni Association and organising committee for initiating the lecture series, Professor Ogunsola noted that the programme reflects the University’s conviction that alumni and industry partners remain indispensable stakeholders in advancing academic excellence and preparing graduates for the future.
She stressed that the rapid transformation driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution makes stronger collaboration among academia, industry and government more imperative than ever.
Her words, “Through initiatives such as this, we create platforms where experience meets aspiration and where our students are inspired by those who have successfully translated knowledge into impactful service.”
“Timely and Significant Theme”
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association, Engineer Ayotunde Ogunnoiki, FNSE, and the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. John Erinne, FAEng, congratulated the Faculty and the Department for organising the lecture.
They described the theme as timely and significant, noting that reliable and optimised electricity remains critical to Nigeria’s industrial growth, innovation and sustainable development, while engineers continue to play a pivotal role in addressing the nation’s energy challenges.
“Electricity is the Currency of Development”
Delivering the keynote lecture, Engineer Jennifer Adighije described her return to her alma mater as both an honour and a homecoming. She paid glowing tribute to the University of Lagos for providing the education and foundation that prepared her for leadership in the power sector.
Engineer Adighije expressed appreciation to the University and the Department for the opportunity to engage with the next generation of engineers, through the lecture. She described the lecture theme as particularly relevant in light of the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s electricity sector and the country’s broader economic aspirations.
Highlighting the strategic importance of electricity to national development, Engineer Adighije observed that energy has become the currency of development in the global economy. According to her, “Countries that provide reliable and affordable electricity create jobs faster, attract more investment, stimulate industrialisation, strengthen healthcare delivery, improve education and ultimately enhance the quality of life of their citizens.”
Engineer Adighije noted that the Electricity Act 2023 ushered Nigeria into one of the most significant periods of reform in the history of the country’s electricity industry by empowering states to establish and regulate their own electricity markets. According to her, the legislation has created unprecedented opportunities for investment, innovation, competition and improved service delivery while accelerating the emergence of vibrant sub-national electricity markets capable of attracting greater private-sector participation.
She explained that under her leadership, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company is focused on optimising existing assets, improving operational efficiency, strengthening corporate governance, fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring that investments in the power sector deliver measurable value to Nigerians.
Looking to the future, the distinguished alumna expressed confidence in the next generation of engineers, noting that they would build smarter electricity grids and deploy cleaner, technology-driven energy solutions powered by artificial intelligence, automation, battery storage, smart metering and advanced power electronics.
She encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning, remain disciplined and approach engineering as a profession dedicated not only to solving societal problems but also to building the infrastructure that drives national development.
The NDPHC boss concluded by affirming that Nigeria’s electricity industry is entering a new era defined by reform, innovation, collaboration and investment, adding that optimising electricity is essential not only for powering homes and businesses but also for unlocking the country’s vast socio-economic potential.
Presentation of Plaques
At the end of the Lecture, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Samson Oluropo Adeosun presented a commemorative plaque of appreciation to Engineer Jennifer Adighije.
Courtesy Visit
Earlier in the day, Engineer Adighije paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, in her office.
