Nigeria Launches Africa's First Renewable Energy College

On Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, commissioned Africa's first Renewable Energy College, the Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS), and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant in Kogi State. The event took place at the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara.

Tinubu described the college as a world-class facility designed to bridge Africa's critical shortage of skilled manpower in renewable energy. He emphasized that Nigeria's challenge lies not in a lack of renewable resources but in the inability to convert them into electricity and economic opportunities.

The college aims to produce technicians and maintenance professionals with practical expertise in renewable energy technologies. Graduates will receive internationally recognized certificates, enhancing their employment prospects.

Tinubu called for collaboration with development partners and the private sector to expand research and training. He commended Dr. Kingsley Udeh and Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi for their roles in bringing the project to fruition within two years.