- President says Nigeria will lead Africa’s renewable energy capacity development.
- New college to train technicians and professionals for global renewable energy jobs.
- Facility includes smart classrooms, energy laboratories and a green hydrogen pilot plant.
President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is set to lead Africa’s renewable energy revolution following the commissioning of the continent’s first Renewable Energy College in Kogi State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated the Barefoot Renewable Energy College alongside the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, on Tuesday.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Tinubu Approves Army Expansion, Recruitment of 28,000 Personnel
- Aregbesola Claims Record as First Nigerian Governor to Serve Eight Years Without Owning a House
- Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA Commissions Fully Equipped NSCDC Divisional Headquarters, Donates Patrol Vehicle and Motorcycle to Boost Security
Speaking during the event, Tinubu described the institution as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to build a skilled workforce capable of transforming the nation’s abundant renewable energy resources into economic opportunities.
Eko Hot Blog reports that he said the project directly addresses one of the country’s biggest challenges by equipping Nigerians with practical skills needed to harness solar, wind, biomass and water resources for sustainable power generation.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the college is the first of its kind in Africa and is modelled after India’s successful vocational programme that trained rural women as solar engineers.
“If that method could light the villages of Rajasthan, it can light the settlements of Kogi, Ondo and Cross River. Nigeria assumes, from today, the position of pacesetter in renewable energy capacity development across Africa,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that the institution reflects his administration’s commitment to completing impactful projects rather than leaving them unfinished.
He recalled that the foundation for the college was laid just two years ago, adding that its completion demonstrates what focused leadership and determination can achieve.
The President also described the college as a response to Africa’s shortage of skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector, saying the continent’s greatest challenge is not ambition but the lack of trained manpower.
According to him, graduates of the institution will receive internationally recognised certificates that will enable them to secure employment or establish renewable energy businesses anywhere in the world.
He called on development partners, research institutions, international organisations and private sector stakeholders to collaborate with the college, assuring them that Nigeria is ready to lead renewable energy partnerships across Africa.
Tinubu commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.
Governor Ododo described the inauguration as evidence of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development through investment in human capital, noting that the institution would strengthen the country’s energy sector, attract investments and create employment opportunities.
Minister Udeh said the project aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of building a knowledge-driven economy, stressing that developing a highly skilled workforce in renewable energy is essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Also speaking, Abdullahi revealed that the college is equipped with modern facilities, including smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre and energy efficiency laboratories that will support advanced training and research.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ahmed Anaje, welcomed the establishment of the institution, saying it would empower young Nigerians with technical skills needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.
FURTHER READING
