Godfrey Okoye University has achieved another remarkable milestone with the successful approval of the SAFENA (Solar Application for Agriculture in Africa) Project Grant under the Africa-UniNet Research Cooperation framework. The grant, worth €40,000, marks a new chapter in our commitment to sustainable development and international collaboration.

In partnership with Johannes Kepler University (JKU), Austria, this 24-month project will explore innovative solar-powered agricultural solutions right here in Enugu. By addressing the critical Food-Energy-Water (FEW) nexus, the SAFENA project will deliver training, knowledge exchange, and hands-on workshops in solar glasshouse technology—a pioneering approach designed to boost crop production, strengthen food security, and build resilience against climate change.

This milestone reflects the university’s dedication to cutting-edge research that directly benefits society while also contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The project is led by Prof. Sedar Sariciftci (Project Coordinator, JKU, Austria) and Prof. Christian Anieke (Partner Coordinator, GOU, Nigeria). We also proudly recognize the contributions of other distinguished team members:

From JKU, Austria:
Assoc. Prof. Markus Clark Scharber
Assoc. Prof. Veronika Wittmann
Dr. Dieter Meissner

From GOU, Nigeria:
Prof. Chidi Uhuegbu
Prof. George Ude
Dr. Chidinma Okafor
Mr Michael Okoro

We celebrate this achievement as yet another step forward in positioning Godfrey Okoye University as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and meaningful global partnerships. The SAFENA project promises to transform agriculture in Nigeria and beyond.