FUTO, Presidential CNG Initiative to Boost Green Energy, Student Skills

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), is set to deepen collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) as part of efforts to promote clean energy adoption, strengthen technical capacity, and expand opportunities for student training and innovation.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Presidential CNG Initiative during a courtesy visit to his office. Prof. Dozie described FUTO as a natural partner for the initiative, noting that the University's strong technological orientation and research capacity make it well positioned to support Nigeria's transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Federal Government for the initiative, and described it as a strategic response to the nation's evolving energy needs, and an opportunity to promote affordable transportation, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.

"Our administration is fully committed to supporting initiatives that align with FUTO's mandate as a university of technology. We will provide the enabling environment required for this partnership to succeed and encourage our staff and students to take advantage of the opportunities it presents," Prof. Dozie said.

The Vice-Chancellor also assured the delegation of the University's support in mobilising students to participate actively in the initiative's training programmes and other capacity-building activities.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Andrew Abuh, said the initiative seeks to expand FUTO's CNG infrastructure, and position the University as a strategic CNG hub in Imo State, leveraging FUTO's large student population and technical expertise to drive awareness, skills development and wider adoption of compressed natural gas technology.

He encouraged members of the University community to maximise the opportunities offered by the CNG programme, particularly in technical skills acquisition, innovation, and sustainable energy development.

According to Abuh, the programme places emphasis on students, equipping them with practical knowledge and competencies that will prepare them for emerging opportunities in Nigeria's growing green energy sector.