The Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN) was founded in 1980 to promote the widespread utilization of solar and other renewable energy technologies. The Society organizes its National Solar Energy Forum (NASEF) annually.

The forum provides a platform for interaction between stakeholders in renewable energy research and development, business, and policy-making. It also evaluates the level of technology penetration and ongoing developments in renewable energy.

The Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN) was inaugurated in March 1980 at the Project Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu. By 11th July of the same year, the Society was officially launched in a ceremony performed by the then Deputy Governor of old Anambra State, Engr. A.S. Umenyi, assisted by the Honourable Commissioner for Technology, Imo State, Chief Oji O. Okereke.

Pioneer members included Prof. A.O.E. Animalu (Foundation President), Prof. G.O. Ezekwe, Prof. C.C.O. Ezeilo, Prof. U.A. Akinsote, Prof. R.I. Salawu, Late Prof. N.I. Ngoka, Prof. A.T. Sulaiman, and several other distinguished scholars.

During the inaugural meeting and conference in 1980, technical papers were presented. This event gave birth to the National Solar Energy Forum (NASEF), which has been held annually in different locations across Nigeria since 1980.

Objectives of the Society

1. To provide a forum for Scientists, Engineers, and other interested parties in Nigeria to meet periodically to discuss issues relating to Solar Energy.
2. To protect, promote, and foster high standards in the study and application of Solar Energy in Nigeria.
3. To advise governments in Nigeria on all aspects relating to the development of Solar Energy programmes in the country.
4. To promote and facilitate membership in relevant international organizations such as the International Solar Energy Society (ISES).
5. To disseminate knowledge and research findings through publications such as the Nigeria Journal of Solar Energy and Solar Energy Newsletters.
6. To encourage research and training activities in Solar Energy applications.
7. To acquire, hold, lease, or dispose of movable or immovable property necessary for advancing the objectives of the Society.
8. To lobby or petition for legislation and government policies that support the promotion of Solar Energy applications in Nigeria.
9. The Society shall not operate as a Trade Union nor affiliate with any Trade Union and shall not involve members in strike actions.

The memberships comprise the following categories:

1. Fellowship (F)
2. Full Membership (M)
3. Associate Membership (AM)
4. Student Membership (SM)
5. Affiliate Membership (AFM)
6. Institutional Membership (IM)

Furthermore, the Society decided in 1980 to publish annually a technical journal named “The Nigeria Journal of Solar Energy (NJSE)” with the following aims:

1. To provide a medium for national and international dissemination of information about solar Energy in particular, and other Energy sources in general, and their applications in elsewhere.
2. To promote cooperation among Scientists, Engineers and Technologists working in the field of Energy in Nigeria and elsewhere.
3. To provide a focal point for, but not limited to, papers presented at annual conference of SESN (all papers are published after they have been referred and acknowledged to be original and of high quality).

The technical papers presented at the 1980 inaugural meeting and conference formed the first issues of the NJSE which was launched at Lagos the same year. The Editorial Board of the NJSE was also formed to review technical papers submitted for consideration for publication in the NJSE. Since then, it has been the culture of the society to publish the journal of technical papers annually. Through advocacy of our members, gazetting of the Energy Commission of Nigeria decree was sped up, funding was obtained for energy research where research centres were established in Nsukka and Sokoto, and so much more but to mention a few.