Profile
ENGR. PROF. ELI JIDERE BALA
Professor Eli Jidere Bala was born in Gelengu, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State on 19th September, 1954. After his secondary and higher school education, he proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Second Class Upper Division) degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1977 and subsequently Master of Engineering degree in 1980. He obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Applied Energy from Cranfield Institute of Technology, United Kingdom in 1984. Professor Bala rose through the ranks from Graduate Assistant in 1978 to become Senior Lecturer in Ahmadu Bello University in 1987 and subsequently Professor of Applied Energy in 2004 in the same university.
Since graduation, Prof. Bala has held a number of Administrative and engineering related appointments among which include; Served severally as Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1991-1993; 1997-1999; 2003-2006). Rector/CEO, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, Bauchi State, (1993 - 1997). Deputy Director, Energy Planning and Analysis Department, Energy Commission of Nigeria (1999-2003). Director, Renewable Energy Department, Energy Commission of Nigeria (2006-2012). Acting Director-General/CEO, Energy Commission of Nigeria (Jan. 2013- 5thMay 2013). Appointed Director General & Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria (6th May 2013- date) by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCON, GCFR. IRENA Country Representative/Focal Point. Professor Bala also: Supervised and graduated many undergraduates, Masters and Ph.D degree students in mechanical engineering. Attended many International and local conferences and workshops on energy. Served as External Examiner and Member, Accreditation Panels to many Universities and Polytechnics.
Prof Bala is a member of/ registered with the following Professional bodies and associations: Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Fellow Nigeria Society of Engineers (FNSE), Fellow of Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (FSESN), Member Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers (MNIMechE),and Member, International Association of Energy Economics (MIAEE). He has written many scientific papers and articles published in reputable international and local academic journals, conference proceedings and technical reports in the area of Applied and Energy. Prof Bala is honoured with many awards of excellence on his achievements and exemplary leadership character. He is happily married with children.