"The institution, modelled after India's renowned Barefoot College, combines hands-on technical training with university-backed research to bridge the gap between vocational skills and academic excellence."
President Bola Tinubu has commissioned Africa's first Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS) in Osara, Kogi State, in a move aimed at boosting Nigeria's renewable energy capacity, creating jobs and accelerating the country's transition to clean energy.
The institution, established by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), is designed to provide practical renewable energy training, research and innovation, while equipping Nigerians with industry-relevant technical skills regardless of their educational background.
Tinubu, represented at Tuesday's inauguration by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the college as a landmark achievement that would strengthen Nigeria's leadership in renewable energy development across Africa.
The institution, modelled after India's renowned Barefoot College, combines hands-on technical training with university-backed research to bridge the gap between vocational skills and academic excellence
Among dignitaries at the event were Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN); the Minister of Steel Development, Dr Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello; former Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN); the Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, as well as traditional rulers, lawmakers, development partners and industry leaders.
The President and other speakers also commended the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for driving the project and praised the Commission's achievements over the past two years.
Speaking during the commissioning, Abdullahi described BARECKS as a strategic national asset that would advance renewable energy research, technology development, skills acquisition and employment while positioning Nigeria as a major player in Africa's clean energy transition.
According to him, the college boasts modern facilities, including renewable energy laboratories, photovoltaic and solar thermal workshops, battery storage and power electronics laboratories, mini-grid simulation platforms, wind and bioenergy training centres, electric vehicle charging modules and energy efficiency laboratories.
He added that the commissioning of the college, alongside the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, underscores the Commission's commitment to building world-class institutions that will strengthen Nigeria's renewable energy ecosystem, develop skilled manpower and support sustainable economic growth.
Reviewed by NewBuzz
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August 06, 2026
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