Tinubu Commissions Africa’s First Renewable Energy College, Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant in Kogi
Tinubu Commissions Africa’s First Renewable Energy College, Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant in Kogi
Tinubu Commissions Africa’s First Renewable Energy College, Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant in Kogi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS), Osara, Kogi State, alongside the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, describing the facilities as landmark investments in Nigeria’s renewable energy future and human capital development.
The projects were commissioned on Tuesday at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, with Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima representing President Tinubu at the ceremony.
The President described the renewable energy college as a world-class institution completed to international standards, noting that it addresses one of Nigeria’s major challenges in the energy transition: the shortage of skilled technical manpower capable of converting the country’s abundant renewable resources into electricity, jobs and economic opportunities.
According to President Tinubu, Nigeria is richly endowed with sunlight, wind, biomass and water, but has historically struggled to translate these resources into sufficient power generation and employment.
He said the establishment of BARECKS would help bridge that gap by producing technicians, installers, operators and maintenance professionals with practical skills in renewable energy technologies.
“Our continent has never suffered a deficit of intention. We have suffered the scarcity of hands trained to execute them,” the President said.
Nigeria Takes Lead in Renewable Energy Skills Development
President Tinubu noted that BARECKS is the first institution of its kind on the African continent, modelled after India’s celebrated Barefoot College concept, which has trained people from rural communities as solar engineers.
He expressed confidence that the model could similarly transform communities across Nigeria and Africa.
He declared that the commissioning places Nigeria at the forefront of renewable energy capacity development on the continent.
The President recalled that the foundation stone for the institution was laid two years ago, expressing satisfaction that the project had been completed within the expected timeframe.
He said graduates of the college would obtain internationally recognised certificates of proficiency, equipping them to secure employment, establish businesses and compete for opportunities globally.
“A certificate issued in Osara must one day command respect in Nairobi and in Frankfurt,” he stated.
Green Hydrogen and Modern Training Facilities
The President also commissioned the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, further expanding Nigeria’s capacity for research, innovation and skills development in emerging clean-energy technologies.
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, said BARECKS is equipped with modern facilities, including smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre and energy-efficiency laboratories.
He explained that the institution would develop highly skilled professionals capable of contributing to renewable energy research, development and deployment in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Government Targets Jobs and Investment
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, described the project as a major investment in human capital development and job creation.
He stressed that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy would require a highly skilled workforce capable of driving strategic sectors such as renewable energy and advanced technology.
The Minister urged the pioneer trainees to maintain high technical and ethical standards and become worthy ambassadors of the institution.
President Tinubu also called on development partners, private-sector investors, international organisations and research institutions to collaborate with BARECKS in expanding research, innovation and technical training.
He assured potential partners that Nigeria was prepared to host and lead such collaborations.
Ododo Commends Federal Government
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the commissioning as evidence that Nigeria is moving towards sustainable development through deliberate investment in human capital.
He said the college would strengthen the nation’s energy sector, attract investments, create employment and open new opportunities for communities in Kogi State and beyond.
The governor commended the Federal Government for investing in the knowledge economy as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s longstanding power challenges.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, also welcomed the project, saying it would provide young Nigerians with valuable technical skills and enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
A New Chapter for Nigeria’s Energy Transition
President Tinubu commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria for their persistence in taking the project from conception to completion.
He also appreciated Governor Ododo and the people of Kogi State for providing an enabling environment for the project.
With the commissioning of BARECKS and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, the Federal Government is positioning renewable energy skills, innovation and clean-energy technology as critical components of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The initiative is expected to strengthen technical capacity, promote local innovation, create new employment opportunities and help Nigeria play a leading role in Africa’s transition towards a more sustainable and technology-driven energy future.
Tinubu Commissions Africa’s First Renewable Energy College, Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant in Kogi
