Abubakar Ibrahim
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Federal Polytechnic Auchi
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Teaching, research and consulting upon my return from the United Kingdom to Nigeria. In 2020 I lead a team to design a completely solar-powered version of a Covid-19 Disinfecting Booth for Auchi Polytechnic, Nigeria. It was one of the fascinating experiences for me as a researcher because my knowledge and skills developed at the University of Exeter were brought to bear.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
One fascinating experience of choosing to be an Engineer is the ability to solve problems and utilise what is developed. My grandparents were farmers, which impacted my dad’s lifestyle, transcending me in the end. Since childhood, I have enjoyed playing on farms in far away Sokoto State. I adore the aroma of newly-planted crops. I used to watch farmers utilise hired-out tractors on the farm and enjoyed the outcome from their Maise, Guinea corn, Rice and even Millet cultivation. So, it became only natural to pick Agricultural Engineering as an undergraduate student in FUTO, Nigeria. In contrast, to my peers, I knew a lot about agriculture before admission into the university. With an earned Bachelor of Engineering in agricultural engineering, I proceeded later in 2017 to study Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter, the UK. The University of Exeter allowed me to build research capacity through its faculties and facilities. Undoubtedly, the results are abundantly evident with a focus on Integrating Renewable Energy Systems across platforms (systems, designs, etc.). Today, I am most excited about the quality and capacity of my research in the areas of Farm Power sources from Renewables.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The renewable energy engineering programme at the University of Exeter uniquely positioned me to understand how nations can shift from traditional sources of electricity generation toward a sustainable, carbon-neutral future. It was fascinating to practically see how one can contribute to the production of new, clean, energy sources that reduce emissions and climate change. My greatest highlight was building a Sunbrella (more a beach umbrella with all the features of comfort all solar-powered).
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The fascinating highlight of my study here at the University of Exeter is the value placed on research and the quality of facilities (human and physical infrastructures). The environment was serene and beautiful. It was experiencing nature at its best.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I chose the University of Exeter because it was among the best universities in Europe and was part of the Russel Group. More so, the University of Exeter has arguably the best faculties in MSc Renewable Energy Engineering in the world. It was the first University to launch MSc Renewable Energy-this was pacesetting.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
My MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering programme at the University of Exeter helped me develop more skills in coding and programming using python. Also, I could access learning resource facilities on campus, where I developed skills in data analysis and statistics.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
At the University of Exeter, an MEng or the MSc programme in Renewable Energy Engineering will help one plan, develop, implement, and manage large-scale energy projects utilising renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and others. It will equally help one utilise diverse perspectives and professional engineering skills to meet the rising demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions in areas such as power production, manufacturing, transportation, and others. One could play a crucial part in assisting the world in managing climate change and achieving the 2050 global goal of net-zero emissions. The University of Exeter through this programme offers one such opportunity.
What are your plans for the future?
I am currently working towards a PhD Programme in Renewable Energy at Edinburgh Napier University and, in future, will strengthen my capacity for advanced research and consulting in Integrating Renewable Energy Systems (IRES).
