By ABAH SUNDAY, Abuja
The Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA), courtesy of its Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), has successfully signed a contract with the Ceesolar, a renewable energy firm, for the implementation of its Female Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Internship Programme, a vital component of the federal government’s Energising Education Programme (EEP) II.
Speaking during the contract signing held at REA office complex in Abuja, the MD/CEO of REA, Engr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, noted that renewable energy is a rapidly growing sector, resulting to an increased demand for skilled professionals which also requires women representation.
He appreciated the University of Abuja and all beneficiary institutions for their commitment to the success of the programme and called on the female beneficiaries to make the most use of the opportunity.
“I would also like to thank the University of Abuja and all other beneficiary institutions for their commitment to the success of the entire Programme. I encourage all the female STEM students who have been selected for this programme to make the most of this opportunity. This is a chance for you to gain some of the important skills and experience you need to build a successful career in the power sector,” he said.
Speaking also, the Head Project Management Unit of the NEP, Mr Abba Aliyu, said the project was in the process of making history by building an ecosystem that will help to build and strengthen infrastructure, system as well as create flow of capacity and talents.
The Head of the Project Management Unit (HPMU) expressed keen interest in witnessing a replication and seamless transfer of the valuable knowledge and skills that the interns will gain during their internship experience.
He stressed the importance of capitalising on the opportunity by the beneficiaries to maximise their growth in the renewable energy sector.
The Internship Programme will provide theoretical and hands-on practical experience to twenty (20) selected female students from each of the seven beneficiary institutions which are, University of Abuja, University of Calabar, University of Maiduguri, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria Defense Academy, Federal University, Gashua, in stages of the EEP projects, as well as provide continued skills and capacity building thereafter.
The Managing Director of Ceesolar, Engr. Chibuike Ekeh, while appreciating REA, stated that his agency was delighted to be part of an impactful and sustainable project.
He explained that his dedicated team would in a concerted effort foster collaborative partnership with the students to create a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy, in a friendly and highly conducive learning environment.
The students, according to a statement from REA-NEP communications desk, will be given a chance to visit the Energising Education Hybrid solar plant under construction within their school campuses, be part of the project so as to understand the different components and aspects of solar installation, first hand.
One of the immediate impact of the project, will be this facilitation of 140 female STEM students’ transition into the field of renewable energy.
The initiative aims to provide them with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in the industry, positioning them as leaders who will guide the sector’s development in the near future.
This aligns with the broader goals of supporting the energy transition and contributing to the collective efforts to combat climate change.
By imparting this sense of responsibility and preparedness, the students will be better positioned to contribute to the job market and effect meaningful change in the realm of renewable energy.
The EEP II Female STEM Internship Programme will serve as a means of introducing and supporting young women who are enthusiastic about renewable energy and the power sector.
REA is a Nigerian government agency tasked with the electrification of rural, unserved, and underserved communities.