By Queen Madaki
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Osara (BARECKS), and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant in Kogi State, describing the facility as a world-class institution built to international standards.
The inauguration, held at the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Kogi State, was performed on behalf of the President by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The development marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to expand renewable energy capacity, develop specialised technical skills and create new opportunities in the country’s growing clean energy sector.
Tinubu: College Will Address Renewable Energy Skills Gap
President Tinubu said Nigeria, despite being abundantly endowed with sunlight, wind, biomass and water, had faced challenges in converting its natural resources into electricity and employment opportunities.
He said the new institution would help address the shortage of skilled technical manpower required to drive the country’s energy transition.
According to the President, the college was established as a vocational and technical institution designed to produce technicians, installers, operators and maintenance professionals with practical expertise in renewable energy technologies.
“Our continent has never suffered a deficit of intention. We have suffered the scarcity of hands trained to execute them,” Tinubu said.
He noted that graduates of the institution would receive internationally recognised certificates of proficiency, equipping them to secure employment, establish businesses and compete in the global renewable energy market.
“A certificate issued in Osara must one day command respect in Nairobi and in Frankfurt,” the President added.
Nigeria Becomes Pacesetter in Renewable Energy Capacity Development
Tinubu described the Barefoot Renewable Energy College as the first institution of its kind on the African continent, noting that it was modelled on vocational colleges in India that have trained people in rural communities as solar engineers.
He expressed optimism that the model could be replicated across Nigerian communities and contribute to expanding access to clean and affordable energy.
“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,” he said.
The President also called on development partners, private sector organisations, international institutions and research bodies to collaborate with the college in advancing research, innovation and technical training in renewable energy.
Shettima Represents Tinubu at Inauguration
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu at the event, conveyed the President’s greetings and satisfaction with the completion of the project.
Shettima said the administration remained focused on building institutions and industries capable of creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of Nigerians.
He noted that the President had consistently maintained that the success of government should be measured by the industries it establishes and the households that benefit from them.
Tinubu also 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.
Ododo Hails Federal Government’s Investment in Human Capital
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, said the inauguration demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development through investment in human capital.
Ododo said the college would strengthen the nation’s energy sector by developing skilled manpower while attracting investment and creating economic opportunities for communities.
He commended the Federal Government for its strategic investments in the knowledge economy and efforts to address challenges in the power sector.
Minister Highlights Job Creation Potential
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, described the project as a major investment in human capital development and job creation.
Udeh said Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy would depend significantly on developing a skilled workforce in strategic sectors, including renewable energy.
He urged the pioneer trainees to maintain high technical and ethical standards and serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution.
College Equipped With Modern Renewable Energy Facilities
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the college as the first of its kind in Nigeria.
He said the institution is equipped with smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre, energy efficiency laboratories and other modern training facilities.
According to Abdullahi, the college will train highly skilled professionals capable of contributing to renewable energy research and development in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that the institution would help build the technical workforce required to support Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Ohinoyi Commends Federal Government
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, welcomed the establishment of the institution in Kogi State, saying it would provide young people with valuable technical skills and enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He thanked the Federal Government for locating the institution in the state and expressed optimism that the project would have a lasting impact on young Nigerians and the country’s renewable energy sector.
With the inauguration of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, Nigeria is positioning itself to expand technical capacity in renewable energy while preparing a new generation of professionals to participate in the global clean energy economy.
The Bureau Journal reports that the initiative is expected to strengthen renewable energy research, skills development and innovation while supporting Nigeria’s broader efforts to address energy challenges and create employment opportunities for its growing youth population.
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