The Federal Government has launched a nationwide training initiative to equip young Nigerians with practical skills in renewable energy technologies, underscoring its commitment to expanding electricity access, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
The programme, coordinated by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under its Energising Education Programme, began at the University of Maiduguri with 100 students forming the first batch of beneficiaries. In total, 1,500 young Nigerians will be trained across several institutions.
Speaking at the launch in Maiduguri, the Managing Director of REA explained that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to support unserved and underserved communities, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and position Nigeria as Africa’s renewable energy hub.
“This requires more than building infrastructure. It calls for a new generation of young Nigerians who are technically trained in the operation, maintenance, and financing of renewable energy projects,” he said.
The training, which makes use of facilities already deployed by the agency nationwide, offers hands-on exposure to renewable technologies. Borno was selected as the starting point because of its solar panel assembly plants, which reflect the government’s drive to encourage local manufacturing of renewable energy components.
The Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme noted that 15 universities are included in the first phase, with each institution hosting about 100 trainees at world-class centres. More universities will be added as the programme expands.
In addition to the training, REA announced that the maiden National Renewable Energy Forum will take place in Abuja on September 14 and 15, with participation expected from all states.
For many of the trainees, the programme represents a pathway to future opportunities. One final-year engineering student described it as a “rare opportunity for young people to gain practical knowledge that can help us build careers and even start our own renewable energy businesses.”
