President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated Africa’s first renewable energy college, the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Osara (BARECKS), alongside the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, describing the institution as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive towards sustainable energy development.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration in Kogi State, Tinubu said the college would bridge the shortage of skilled manpower needed to drive Africa’s energy transition.
He described the institution as a world-class facility completed to international standards within two years of its groundbreaking.
“This is the first institution of its kind on the African continent.
“Nigeria assumes, from today, the position of pacesetter in renewable energy capacity development across Africa,” he said.
The President noted that although Nigeria is richly endowed with renewable energy resources, the challenge had been translating those resources into reliable electricity and economic opportunities.
According to him, the college will train technicians, installers, operators and maintenance professionals with practical skills in renewable energy technologies.
“Our continent has never suffered a deficit of intention. We have suffered the scarcity of hands trained to execute them,” he said.
Tinubu expressed optimism that graduates of the institution would earn internationally recognised certifications capable of opening employment and business opportunities across the world.
“A certificate issued in Osara must one day command respect in Nairobi and in Frankfurt,” he said.
The President called on development partners, research institutions and the private sector to collaborate with the college to deepen research, innovation and technical training in renewable energy.
He commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and the Kogi State Government for supporting the successful delivery of the project.
Earlier, Gov. Ahmed Ododo described the inauguration as a significant investment in human capital development and a step towards strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector through skills acquisition and innovation.
He said the institution would attract investment, create employment opportunities and support sustainable economic growth.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, said the project reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy.
He urged the pioneer trainees to uphold professionalism and serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution.
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, said the college was equipped with smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre and other modern facilities designed to support world-class training.
He added that the institution would produce highly skilled professionals to drive renewable energy research and development in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also speaking, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, commended the Federal Government for establishing the institution in Kogi State, saying it would equip young Nigerians with practical skills for national development.
