Tinubu Unveils Africa’s First Renewable Energy College in Kogi

President Tinubu Commissions Africa’s First Renewable Energy College in Kogi
Says Nigeria now leads Africa in renewable energy capacity development
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned Africa’s first renewable energy college, the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Osara (BARECKS), alongside the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant in Kogi State, describing the institution as a world-class facility completed to international standards.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
According to the President, Nigeria has long been blessed with abundant sunlight, wind, biomass and water resources, but the major challenge has been transforming these natural endowments into electricity and employment opportunities. He said the newly established college would help bridge that gap.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu at the commissioning ceremony held at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, conveyed the President’s goodwill and satisfaction over the successful completion of the project.
He recalled the President’s belief that the success of any government is measured by the industries it establishes and the livelihoods those industries create.
Speaking through the Vice President, President Tinubu said the opening of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant provides a clear answer to the question of who will build and sustain Africa’s energy future.
He noted that the institution is the first of its kind on the African continent and is modelled after India’s renowned vocational colleges that transformed unlettered grandmothers into solar engineers.
“If that model could illuminate villages in Rajasthan, it can equally transform communities in Kogi, Ondo and Cross River. From today, Nigeria assumes the position of pacesetter in renewable energy capacity development across Africa,” the President said.
Expressing delight at the pace of execution, President Tinubu observed that unlike many projects whose foundation stones outlive their promoters, the renewable energy college was completed within two years of its groundbreaking.
“Two years ago, we gathered here on bare ground with only a vision. Today, we stand before a world-class institution built to international standards,” he stated.
The President explained that the college was established as a vocational and technical institution to address Africa’s shortage of skilled manpower in renewable energy.
He stressed that while Africa has never lacked ambition, it has often suffered from a shortage of trained professionals capable of executing its development plans. According to him, the college will train technicians, installers, operators and maintenance experts with practical competence in renewable energy technologies.
President Tinubu added that graduates of the institution would earn internationally recognised certificates, enabling them to secure employment, establish businesses and compete globally.
He also called on development partners, private sector organisations, international institutions and research bodies to collaborate with the college in expanding research, innovation and technical training, assuring them that Nigeria is ready to lead such partnerships.
The President commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria for their commitment in delivering the project. He also praised Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as well as the government and people of the state, for creating the enabling environment that made the project possible.
Earlier, Governor Ododo described the inauguration of the college as evidence that Nigeria is making steady progress towards sustainable development through strategic investment in human capital.
He said the institution would strengthen the country’s energy sector by building technical capacity, attracting investments and creating opportunities for host communities.
The governor also applauded the Federal Government for addressing Nigeria’s power challenges through investments in the knowledge economy, describing the initiative as one deserving continued public support.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, described the project as a major investment in human capital development and job creation, noting that it reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy.
He maintained that Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy depends largely on developing skilled professionals in strategic sectors such as renewable energy. He urged the pioneer trainees to uphold high technical and ethical standards while serving as worthy ambassadors of the institution.
Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the facility as the first of its kind in the country.
He disclosed that the college is equipped with smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre, energy efficiency laboratories and other modern facilities designed to support practical training.
According to him, the institution will produce highly skilled professionals in renewable energy research and development in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also speaking, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, said the project would equip young Nigerians with valuable technical skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to national development. He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for locating the institution in Kogi State.