FUTO Showcases Sodium-ion Battery Technology as ACE-FUELS, UK's Swansea University, Faraday Institution Deepen Partnership

The Africa Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems (ACE-FUELS), Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), has showcased cutting-edge sodium-ion battery technology developed under the STAMiNA 2 project in partnership with the UK's Swansea University and the Faraday Institution.

The showcase, which held at the ACE-FUELS Complex on Friday 30th October 2026, was the climax of a week-long joint capacity development programme on next-generation energy storage technologies.

Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie, commended ACE-FUELS for sustaining FUTO's mandate of "Technology for Service" through impactful international collaborations. He reiterated the University's commitment to driving innovation in clean and affordable energy solutions relevant to Nigeria and the continent.

Earlier in his remarks, the Centre Leader and Director of ACE-FUELS, Prof. Emeka Emmanuel Oguzie, FAS, said the showcase demonstrates what is possible when strong institutional partnerships translate research into practical solutions. He noted that the STAMiNA project has provided a robust platform for knowledge exchange, skills development, and joint research in future energies.

The event featured an overview of the STAMiNA programme achievements and prospects, delivered by Prof. Serena Margadonna of Swansea University, UK, and a presentation on UK-Nigeria partnership in battery technology development and commercialisation, by Mr. Dominic Grantley-Smith of the Faraday Institution, UK.

A high point of the event was the live demonstration of a sodium-ion battery pack built with STAMiNA cells, and integrated with next-generation flexible solar photovoltaic modules. The demonstration, conducted by joint technical team lead, Dr. Mark Spratt, drew admiration from guests.

Goodwill messages were received from the Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Ude, SAN, represented by the Centre Manager, Technology Incubation Centre, Owerri, Mr. Chukwunonso Ononiwu; and the Executive Secretary, TETFund, Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono, represented by Dr. Mrs. Comfort Ochepo. They lauded the initiative, describing it as timely for Nigeria's energy transition agenda.

Other highlights include the presentation of certificates by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dozie, to ACE-FUELS staff and students who completed the week-long training on sodium-ion battery development; a guided tour of the ultra-modern ElectroLab-X, where battery materials, fabrication processes, and prototypes were on display; and an interactive session with technical teams from FUTO and the international partners on research commercialisation and local adaptation.

Prof. Dozie was accompanied to the event by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Engr. Prof. Remy Uche; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Innovation), Prof. E.B. Etuk; Registrar, Mr. Chiedozie Uba; Bursar, Mrs. Ebere Nwadike; and University Librarian, Dr. Mrs. Justina Ekere.

Other dignitaries present were the Imo State Commissioner for Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Prof. Chinonye Love Moses; the South-East representative on the TETFund Board of Trustees, Mrs. Esther O. Ukachukwu; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, represented by the Manager, Imo State Office, Mr. Nnamdi Onwughara, among others. Also in attendance was FUTO's telecoms partner, Globacom, which distributed free SIM and e-SIM cards to guests.

The STAMiNA 2 project is part of ongoing efforts by ACE-FUELS to position FUTO as a leading hub for future energy research and electrochemical systems innovation in Africa.