The federal government has initiated a comprehensive training scheme aimed at equipping 1,500 young Nigerians with expertise in renewable energy technologies, positioning the nation for a greener and more sustainable future.
This programme, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under its Energising Education Programme, began in Maiduguri, where 100 students from the University of Maiduguri represent the inaugural group of trainees.
Aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the project focuses on expanding electricity access to underserved and unserved regions, thereby fostering economic development and enhancing quality of life.
At the launch event, REA’s managing director, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, emphasized that the initiative aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of advancing Nigeria’s vision to become Africa’s leading renewable energy hub.
“Achieving this goal goes beyond merely installing infrastructure; it necessitates nurturing a new generation proficient in the operation, upkeep, and financing of renewable energy systems,” Aliyu stated.
He highlighted that the training leverages existing renewable energy installations deployed nationwide by the agency, providing participants with valuable practical experience.
Aliyu also revealed plans for the inaugural National Renewable Energy Forum, scheduled to take place in Abuja this September, inviting representatives from all states to participate.
Borno State was strategically selected as the programme’s starting point due to prior investments in solar panel manufacturing facilities, which align with the government’s commitment to boosting local production of renewable energy components.
“To establish Nigeria as Africa’s renewable energy nucleus, fostering domestic manufacturing of key components is essential. This priority, championed by the President, is being pursued in close collaboration with the private sector,” he added.
Additionally, Oluyemi Akinyulere, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), noted that this initiative builds upon previous efforts during the construction of the Maiduguri solar power plant, where 20 STEM students were actively involved from initial soil analysis through to plant commissioning.
Akinyulere explained that the training will extend beyond Maiduguri, with similar programmes planned for other universities participating in the Energising Education Programme. Each institution is expected to train approximately 100 students at state-of-the-art centres established through these projects.
He further mentioned that 15 universities are slated to benefit in this current phase, with plans to include additional institutions in future stages.
