Studies of Energy Use, Green IT Practices and the Role of Entrepreneurship in Higher Engineering Education in Nigeria

Abstract

Africa is a home to diverse sources of natural energy (solar, geothermal, oil and gas, etc.). But it remains an established fact that the continent is still referred to as the Dark Continent due to little or not enough energy generation necessary for economic development and sustained growth. To address the concerns of global rising energy cost there has been global move to implement more efficient Information Technology (IT) resources; this is approached by using IT resources in an effective and economic way. Entrepreneurship and the use of green IT and promotion of awareness thereof through education are employed. Report has it that a reasonable amount of capital can be saved when businesses adopt efficient measures. In order to achieve this, development of a sustainable Green IT plans are required; such as energy conservation, green procurement, recycling, virtualization, governmental regulations, optimization of the IT infrastructures as well as proper awareness strategies are necessary. There is a need for inclusion of entrepreneurship in engineering curriculum and a review of green IT practices across different nations in the continent. This paper focuses on Nigeria and examines approaches to energy use, green IT practices and role of entrepreneurship in promoting innovation and creativity in higher engineering education and research. We investigate the various challenges posed by poor or inefficient IT practices, the role of entrepreneurship in engineering education and practice as well as explore sustainable strategic IT approaches to overcoming Greening Issues, which could have potential impact on economy. A survey of data from diversity of studies show that capitals saved through the various measures could facilitate the implementation of solutions to address some of the existing problems related to green IT issues for improved efficiency and sustainability. Inclusion of entrepreneurship in current engineering education curriculum would prepare the graduate engineers to be employable globally whilst contributing to the nation’s economic and sustainable development.