1.1 Introduction
Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, structure, properties, and transformation of matter (Atkins & de Paula, 2018). It serves as a central science connecting physics, biology, and environmental science through its application in solving real-world problems. In recent years, chemistry has become increasingly vital in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy scarcity, and environmental degradation (Olaniyi & Bello, 2021).
Solar energy is the radiant energy from the sun that is converted into heat or electricity using various technologies such as photovoltaic cells and solar thermal systems (Green, 2019). According to Adebayo and Okonkwo (2020), integrating solar energy concepts into chemistry education is essential for fostering innovation, creativity, and environmental consciousness among students.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, research questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Chemistry, as a central branch of science, plays a fundamental role in understanding the principles underlying renewable energy technologies. According to Atkins and de Paula (2018), chemistry provides the scientific foundation for studying the transformation of matter and energy, which is essential in developing alternative energy sources such as solar power. The increasing global concern over environmental degradation, energy insecurity, and climate change has led to a growing demand for sustainable energy systems. Green (2019) asserted that solar energy represents one of the most promising renewable energy sources due to its abundance, cleanliness, and ability to provide a long-term solution to the world’s energy challenges.
In Nigeria, the issue of inadequate electricity supply continues to hinder industrial growth and social development. Eze and Olagunju (2019) reported that a significant portion of Nigeria’s population lacks access to stable electricity, despite the country’s vast solar potential. They further stated that harnessing solar energy effectively requires both technological innovation and an informed workforce equipped with scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of chemistry. Adebayo and Okonkwo (2020) affirmed that chemistry education provides a platform for understanding how solar energy is converted into electricity through chemical processes involving semiconductors, photovoltaic reactions, and energy storage mechanisms.
Olaniyi and Bello (2021) contended that the teaching of the chemistry of solar energy is crucial for building students’ capacity to engage in scientific innovation and sustainable energy research. However, they reported that most chemistry curricula in Nigerian schools remain outdated, focusing largely on traditional concepts without integrating modern energy applications. This gap in education has limited students’ awareness of how chemistry contributes to solving real-world problems such as energy scarcity and environmental pollution. Adeniyi (2021) asserted that without deliberate efforts to introduce renewable energy concepts into the chemistry curriculum, students may continue to view the subject as abstract and disconnected from technological development (Adeniyi, 2021).
On the other hand, Rubitec Solar Nigeria, a leading renewable energy company, demonstrates how chemical principles are applied in solar technology production and maintenance. According to Okoro and Chikuni (2020), industry-based learning opportunities like those offered by Rubitec Solar Nigeria can bridge the gap between theoretical chemistry and practical renewable energy applications. They affirmed that collaborations between educational institutions and renewable energy companies enhance students’ understanding of applied chemistry, thus promoting innovation and sustainable development.
The integration of solar energy concepts into chemistry education aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy for all. Adebayo and Okonkwo (2020) stated that when students are exposed to the chemistry behind solar energy technologies, they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to address sustainability challenges (Okonkwo, 2020).
Teaching the chemistry of solar energy is significant because it bridges this educational gap and aligns scientific learning with global sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7, which focuses on affordable and clean energy. By introducing concepts such as photovoltaic reactions, semiconductor materials, and energy conversion efficiency, educators help students understand how chemistry contributes to solving pressing energy and environmental problems. On the other hand, industries like Rubitec Solar Nigeria demonstrate the practical application of these principles in the production and distribution of solar technologies that support green energy development (Adeniyi, 2021). According to Okoro and Chikuni (2020), effective teaching strategies that integrate chemistry and solar energy applications encourage students to develop problem-solving skills and contribute to innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector. This study is set against the backdrop of exploring how the teaching of the chemistry of solar energy can promote sustainable development, using Rubitec Solar Nigeria as a case study.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the growing global demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources is becoming a crucial issue in modern society. The continuous depletion of fossil fuels and the environmental degradation resulting from their usage have triggered the urgent need for cleaner alternatives. In Nigeria, where energy poverty persists despite vast natural resources, the adoption of solar energy offers a promising solution to energy challenges and environmental sustainability. However, the chemistry underlying solar energy production, conversion, and storage is not adequately explored within the educational system, particularly in secondary and tertiary levels.
Additionally, industries such as Rubitec Solar Nigeria rely heavily on scientific and chemical knowledge for the design, testing, and optimization of solar energy systems. The disconnect between academic instruction and industrial application reduces the relevance of chemistry education in addressing real-world sustainability challenges. Educators often face difficulties linking theoretical chemical concepts with practical renewable energy technologies, thereby limiting students’ capacity to appreciate the importance of chemistry in achieving global sustainability goals (Adeniyi, 2021).
Furthermore, there is limited awareness among students about the role of chemistry in enhancing solar energy efficiency and developing environmentally friendly materials. This situation contributes to the slow pace of technological innovation in the renewable energy sector and reduces the nation’s ability to harness its solar potential effectively. The absence of structured educational frameworks for teaching the chemistry of solar energy affects both knowledge acquisition and skill development, which are vital for achieving sustainable growth in the energy industry (Eze & Olagunju, 2019). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the teaching of the chemistry of solar energy for sustainable development, using Rubitec Solar Nigeria as a case study.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the teaching of the chemistry of solar energy for sustainable development in Nigeria, using Rubitec Solar Nigeria as a reference point.
The specific objectives of the study are to:
- Examine the adequacy of instructional materials and facilities used in teaching the chemistry of solar energy.
- Identify the level of awareness of solar energy concepts among chemistry teachers and students.
- Assess teachers’ competency and training in delivering solar energy-related chemistry topics.
- Evaluate the relationship between educational institutions and renewable energy industries in promoting solar chemistry education.
- Propose strategies for effective integration of solar energy concepts into the chemistry curriculum.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the research study seeks to answer the following questions:
- What is the level of awareness of solar energy concepts among chemistry teachers and students?
- How adequate are the instructional materials and facilities used in teaching the chemistry of solar energy?
- What is the level of teachers’ competency and training in teaching solar energy-related chemistry topics?
- How strong is the collaboration between educational institutions and renewable energy industries such as Rubitec Solar Nigeria?
- What strategies can be adopted to improve the integration of solar energy concepts into the chemistry curriculum?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant relationship between the teaching of the chemistry of solar energy and sustainable development in Nigeria.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between the teaching of the chemistry of solar energy and sustainable development in Nigeria.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the research will help in improving teachers’ instructional methods and students’ understanding of renewable energy applications. For teachers, the study will provide guidelines for effective instructional delivery and help in developing new teaching methods that integrate solar energy concepts into chemistry lessons.
Furthermore, the research will strengthen the collaboration between educational institutions and renewable energy companies, fostering capacity-building in science and technology education. Also, the study will help identify areas of collaboration with academia to promote knowledge transfer, innovation, and skill development.
Lastly, the study will assist in curriculum reform and encourage partnerships with renewable energy industries for research and training purposes.
1.8 Scope of Study
This study will be conducted within Rubitec Solar Nigeria, located in Lagos State, as a representative organization in the renewable energy sector. The focus will be on assessing how chemistry education within the Nigerian context integrates solar energy concepts for sustainable development.
The study will cover chemistry teachers, students, and industry professionals directly or indirectly involved in solar energy training, production, or educational collaboration.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Chemistry:
Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the composition, structure, properties, and transformations of matter, forming the basis for understanding processes such as energy conversion and material development (Atkins & de Paula, 2018).
Solar Energy:
Solar energy refers to the radiant energy from the sun that is harnessed and converted into usable forms such as heat or electricity through technologies like photovoltaic cells and solar panels (Green, 2019).
Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development is the process of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, emphasizing environmental protection and resource efficiency (Adebayo & Okonkwo, 2020).
Rubitec Solar Nigeria:
Rubitec Solar Nigeria is a renewable energy company based in Lagos State that specializes in solar power solutions and promotes sustainable energy practices in Nigeria (Okoro & Chikuni, 2020).
Renewable Energy:
Renewable energy refers to energy derived from naturally replenishing sources such as sunlight, wind, and water, which are environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels (Olaniyi & Bello, 2021).
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