Godfrey Okoye University Secures €40,000 SAFENA Project Grant for Sustainable Agriculture

Godfrey Okoye University has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the approval of the SAFENA (Solar Application for Agriculture in Africa) Project Grant under the Africa-UniNet Research Cooperation framework.

The €40,000 grant marks a significant advancement in the university’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and global partnerships.

In collaboration with Johannes Kepler University (JKU), Austria, the 24-month SAFENA project will pioneer solar-powered agricultural innovations in Enugu. By tackling the critical Food-Energy-Water (FEW) nexus, the project will provide training, knowledge exchange, and hands-on workshops in solar glasshouse technology. This innovation is designed to increase crop yields, enhance food security, and strengthen resilience against climate change.

“This project is not just about science, it is about transforming lives through research, sustainability, and collaboration. Godfrey Okoye University is proud to stand at the forefront of agricultural innovation in Africa,” said Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, Vice Chancellor of the university and Partner Coordinator for SAFENA in Nigeria.

The project is jointly led by Prof. Sedar Sariciftci, Project Coordinator at JKU, Austria, and Prof. Christian Anieke, Partner Coordinator at GOU, Nigeria.

Team Members from JKU, Austria:

• Assoc. Prof. Markus Clark Scharber
• Assoc. Prof. Veronika Wittmann
• Dr. Dieter Meissner

Team Members from GOU, Nigeria:

• Prof. Chidi Uhuegbu
• Prof. George Ude
• Dr. Chidinma Okafor
• Mr Michael Okoro

This achievement reinforces Godfrey Okoye University’s role as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and impactful global research partnerships. The SAFENA project is expected to reshape agricultural practices in Nigeria and across Africa, driving progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.