FUTO Strengthens Ties with Chongqing University to Drive Energy Transition, Advanced Materials, and Critical Minerals Innovation

Owerri, Nigeria — The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) has marked a significant milestone in international academic collaboration by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chongqing University (CQU), China. Established under the China-Africa 100 Universities Cooperation Plan, this strategic partnership is set to propel research and education in sustainable energy, advanced materials, and mining technologies, reinforcing FUTO’s leadership in innovation and technology across the region.

The MoU, co-signed by Professor Emeka Oguzie, FUTO’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Development and Innovation, and Professor Jun Yang, Vice President of CQU, formalizes a partnership aimed at addressing global challenges such as renewable energy transitions, critical mineral supply chains, and environmental sustainability.

During his recent visit to Chongqing University, Professor Oguzie met with Professor Chun Yang, Director of the Office of International Affairs, along with key CQU officials including the Dean and Vice Dean of the School of Resource and Safety Engineering. The discussions produced a robust framework for collaboration encompassing education and training (MSc/PhD), joint research projects, student co-supervision, joint seminars and webinars, joint publications, joint degree programmes, and staff and student exchanges. Priority areas include mining engineering, critical minerals, sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, perovskite solar cells, and carbon capture utilization (CCU) technologies. “Critical minerals play an indispensable role in renewable energy technologies,” Professor Oguzie remarked. “This collaboration harnesses the synergy between FUTO’s ACE-FUELS expertise in future energy systems and CQU’s world-class strengths in mining and environmental engineering. Together, we will build capacity, advance knowledge, and drive innovation to deliver sustainable energy solutions and materials development.”

Key Collaboration Areas

Joint Master’s Programme: The Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Nexus A flagship outcome of the partnership is the launch of a joint master’s programme that integrates FUTO’s ACE-FUELS strengths in future energies and electrochemical technology with CQU’s mining and environmental engineering expertise. This interdisciplinary programme will develop the next generation of experts in critical minerals value chains, supporting a sustainable supply for renewable energy industries.

Advanced Energy Technologies

Plans are underway to establish Africa’s first sodium-ion battery pilot plant at ACE-FUELS, supported by CQU’s leadership in Prussian blue analogs and hard carbon anodes. The collaboration also targets solid-state batteries with enhanced safety and performance, essential for solar energy storage and electric mobility.

Mining Engineering and Critical Minerals

Both universities are committed to pioneering innovative mining engineering methods and sustainable critical mineral extraction processes that meet the demands of modern green technologies while minimizing environmental impacts. CQU will also support the development of a mining engineering programme at FUTO to empower Nigeria’s burgeoning mining industry.

Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)

The partnership envisions pilot-scale CCU systems integrating CO₂ utilization technologies such as carbon nanotube production and mineralization, contributing to the decarbonization of industrial processes and supporting Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.

Perovskite Solar Cells

The collaboration aims to develop high-efficiency perovskite solar modules tailored to tropical climates, with a pilot production line at ACE-FUELS to test scalable solutions for off-grid and agrivoltaic applications.

Strategic Alignment

This collaboration aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It also supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and complements China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Next Steps

The MoU paves the way for immediate actions, including the establishment of joint research taskforces, resource mobilization, and the creation of joint laboratories in Nigeria and China. Funding opportunities will be pursued through the AU-China Cooperation Fund and other international green energy programmes.

Both institutions anticipate that this partnership will deliver transformative technological breakthroughs, strengthen Africa’s renewable energy supply chains, and train the human capital needed to advance the continent’s sustainable development goals.

Prof. Emeka Oguzie (centre) at Chongqing University, flanked by Professor Chun Yang, Director of the Office of International Affairs (left of Oguzie), and Associate Professor Li Liu, Vice Dean of the School of Resource and Safety Engineering (right of Oguzie), with other key officials of CQU

Prof. Emeka Oguzie, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Development and Innovation), during discussions with officials at the Office of International Affairs, Chongqing University, exploring collaboration pathways under the FUTO-CQU partnership.

Prof. Oguzie with Prof. Nie Baisheng (Dean) and Assoc. Prof. Li Liu (Vice Dean) of the School of Resource and Safety Engineering, at Chongqing University.