OAU Becomes Hub for Green Energy as MDGIF Commissions Integrated CNG Refuelling Facility

The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund has commissioned an integrated Compressed Natural Gas refuelling facility at Obafemi Awolowo University, in what stakeholders described as a strategic step to embed Nigeria’s gas transition agenda within federal universities.

The project, unveiled in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is part of a broader initiative to deploy CNG infrastructure across 20 federal universities nationwide through equity partnerships with private investors.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Executive Director of MDGIF, Oluwole Adama, described the project as more than a campus transport solution, calling it a “practical demonstration” of Nigeria’s gas-based energy transition.

The statement read, “This project represents more than the commissioning of a refuelling station. It symbolises progress, partnership, and purpose in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition, promoting cleaner fuels and deepening domestic gas utilisation in line with national energy objectives.

“As you may be aware, MDGIF was established to catalyse investments in midstream and downstream gas infrastructure across the country through equity partnerships with private investors."

“Our mandate is clear: to support projects that unlock gas value chains, improve gas access, enhance environmental sustainability, and deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to Nigerians.”

He explained that the OAU facility is one of 20 CNG refuelling infrastructure projects being supported across federal universities in partnership with FEMADEC Energy Limited.

This CNG refuelling infrastructure project at Obafemi Awolowo University is one such strategic investment. Through our equity partnership with FEMADEC Energy Limited, MDGIF is proud to support 20 CNG refuelling infrastructure projects in 20 federal universities across Nigeria,” he added.

Unlike conventional urban CNG rollouts, the OAU project is designed as a hybrid infrastructure combining refuelling, vehicle conversion services, and transport deployment within a controlled academic environment.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Adebayo Simeon Bamire, said the initiative would transform the institution into a living laboratory for alternative fuel research and innovation.

“This project is designed to serve both the university and the surrounding community. It will foster research opportunities, practical learning, and innovation in alternative fuels,” Bamire said.

“It will also strengthen relations between the university and the host community, promote sustainable transport, and create shared economic value.”