President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Osara (BARECKS), and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant in Kogi State, describing the facilities as a major step towards strengthening Africa’s renewable energy sector.
The President, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the college, located at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, was established as a vocational and technical training centre aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled manpower needed for Africa’s energy transition.
Tinubu described the institution as a world-class facility built to international standards, noting that Nigeria’s major challenge has been transforming its natural resources into reliable power and employment opportunities.
According to him, the new college would help bridge that gap by producing skilled technicians capable of building and maintaining renewable energy systems.
He said the institution was inspired by India’s successful barefoot solar engineering model, which trained ordinary rural residents to become solar technicians.
“This is the first institution of its kind on the African continent,” Tinubu said, adding that the initiative could help provide electricity solutions for communities across Nigeria and beyond.
He explained that the college would train renewable energy professionals, including technicians, installers, operators and maintenance experts, while providing graduates with internationally recognised certifications.
The President urged private sector players, international organisations, development partners and research institutions to collaborate with the college in expanding innovation and technical development in renewable energy.
He commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria for their roles in delivering the project, while also praising Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo for supporting the initiative.
Governor Ododo, in his remarks, said the establishment of the college demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development through investment in human capital.
He noted that the institution would boost capacity in the energy sector, attract investment and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, described the project as a significant investment in skills development and job creation, stressing that a knowledge-driven economy was essential to achieving Nigeria’s economic goals.
Udeh encouraged the pioneer students to maintain high technical and ethical standards as representatives of the institution.
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said the college was Nigeria’s first renewable energy training institution of its kind.
He disclosed that the facility was equipped with modern infrastructure, including smart classrooms, battery laboratories, mini-grid simulation centres and energy efficiency laboratories.
Abdullahi added that the college would develop highly skilled professionals capable of contributing to renewable energy research and innovation in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ahmed Anaje, also welcomed the project, saying it would equip young people with valuable technical skills and support national development.
He appreciated the Federal Government for choosing Kogi State as the location for the institution.