Investigating Energy Use and Sustainability Awareness in Indigenous Communities of South-West and South-South Nigeria

Authors

  • E. I. Obanor Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • J. O. Dirisu Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
  • O. O. Kilanko Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • S. O. Oyedepo Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26437/8xh42b57

Keywords:

Awareness. climate action. renewable energy. sustainability. transition

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate energy practices and sustainability awareness across the chosen states in the South-West and South-South regions of Nigeria.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative research design was used. The questionnaire was given to the residents of four states (Ogun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta). A stratified sampling method was employed to ensure that selected communities were sampled, with a target population of 400 and 387 respondents. The data were examined using descriptive statistics, including mean scores, frequency distributions, and standard deviations, calculated with SPSS.

Research Limitation: The research is confined to four states in Nigeria, which may limit the generalisability of the findings to other regions.

Findings: Renewable energy has significant potential to alleviate energy poverty and address environmental issues, especially in communities dissatisfied with existing fossil-fuel-based energy services. The study focuses on such policy interventions, targeted investments in renewable energy infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns.

Practical Implication: The practical implications span from household electricity bills to national energy security, requiring investment and behavioural shifts to fully realise its potential.

Social Implications: Renewable energy use and sustainability education can be promoted by ensuring better access to reliable energy, environmental responsibility, and long-term socio-economic development in Nigeria through minimising inequality.

Originality and Value: The study offers a comparative, multi-regional perspective and introduces the integration of SDG-based education as a strategic pathway for enhancing sustainable energy adoption, thereby bridging the gap between policy frameworks and grassroots implementation.

Author Biographies

  • E. I. Obanor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

    Enoch Obanor is a Postgraduate Student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

  • J. O. Dirisu, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

    Dr. Joseph Dirisu is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

  • O. O. Kilanko, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

    Dr. Oluwaseun Kilanko is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

  • S. O. Oyedepo, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

    Prof. Sunday O. Oyedepo is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering at Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

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Published

31-03-2026

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Vol. 12 No. 2 (2026): African Journal of Applied Research

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How to Cite

Investigating Energy Use and Sustainability Awareness in Indigenous Communities of South-West and South-South Nigeria. (2026). AFRICAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH, 12(2), 118-136. https://doi.org/10.26437/8xh42b57