President Bola Tinubu has commissioned Africa’s first renewable energy college, the Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS), alongside the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant in Osara, Kogi State, describing the institution as a landmark investment in Nigeria’s clean energy future and human capital development.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning ceremony held at Confluence University of Science and Technology, said the new institution would help bridge Africa’s shortage of skilled technical manpower required for the continent’s energy transition.
Tinubu noted that despite Nigeria’s abundant renewable energy resources, including sunlight, wind, biomass and water, the country’s major challenge has been converting those resources into electricity and economic opportunities.
He described the college as the first of its kind on the African continent, modelled after India’s renowned vocational programme that trained rural women as solar engineers, expressing confidence that the initiative would position Nigeria as a leader in renewable energy capacity development in Africa.
The President praised the rapid completion of the project, recalling that construction began just two years ago.
“Today, we stand before a world-class edifice completed to international standards,” he said, adding that the institution would produce technicians, installers, operators and maintenance professionals equipped with practical skills in renewable energy technologies.
According to Tinubu, graduates of the college will earn internationally recognised certifications that will enable them to secure employment, establish businesses and compete globally.
He called on development partners, private sector organisations, research institutions and international agencies to collaborate with the college in expanding research, innovation and technical training in renewable energy.
The President also commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria for driving the project to completion, while praising the Kogi State Government for providing an enabling environment.
Speaking at the event, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the institution as a significant step toward sustainable development through investment in human capital. He said the college would strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy sector by building local capacity, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, said the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy and preparing a skilled workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, said the facility features smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre, energy efficiency laboratories and other modern training infrastructure designed to support research and technical education.
Also speaking, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, welcomed the establishment of the institution, saying it would equip young Nigerians with valuable technical skills while contributing to national development.
The Barefoot Renewable Energy College is expected to serve as a regional hub for renewable energy training, research and innovation, supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources and expanding employment opportunities in the green economy.
