Nigeria Commissions Africa's First Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Strengthening Clean Energy Transition and Skills Development

Nigeria Commissions Africa's First Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Strengthening Clean Energy Transition and Skills Development

.... the innovation, BARECKS is modeled after India's globally acclaimed Barefoot College, adapting its successful community-based learning approach to Nigeria's energy and development needs..

Emmanuel Oduara 

Nigeria has recorded another historic milestone in its drive towards sustainable development and clean energy with the commissioning of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS) at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State.

The state-of-the-art institution, a flagship project of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), was officially commissioned by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the ceremony by Kashim Shettima.

The commissioning marks a defining moment in Nigeria's renewable energy journey, positioning the country as a continental leader in clean energy education, innovation, and workforce development. As Africa's first purpose-built institution dedicated to practical renewable energy training, research, and innovation, BARECKS is modeled after India's globally acclaimed Barefoot College, adapting its successful community-based learning approach to Nigeria's energy and development needs.

Designed to provide practical renewable energy education regardless of educational background, BARECKS offers Nigerians a unique opportunity to acquire industry-relevant technical skills that support the country's growing demand for renewable energy professionals. The initiative reflects the Federal Government's commitment to expanding access to sustainable energy while creating employment opportunities and strengthening local technical capacity.

The College represents a pioneering blend of practical vocational training and university-based academic research, effectively bridging the gap between non-formal skills acquisition and higher education. This integrated approach is expected to accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption across Nigeria's renewable energy sector.

The institution boasts world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge facilities designed to deliver internationally competitive training. These include smart classrooms, 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 modern energy efficiency laboratories. Collectively, these facilities provide students, researchers, and industry practitioners with practical exposure to emerging renewable energy technologies.

The Executive leadership of the Energy Commission of Nigeria described the commissioning as a landmark achievement that reinforces Nigeria's commitment to achieving energy security, promoting climate resilience, supporting the global clean energy transition, and building a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on the significance of the project, the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for innovation, science, and sustainable energy development.

He also acknowledged the contributions and support of Vice President Kashim Shettima; Ahmed Usman Ododo; Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh; Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; Yahaya Bello; Mohammed Bello Adoke; Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu; members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC); development partners; and other stakeholders whose collaboration made the successful delivery of the project possible.

According to Abdullahi, the commissioning of BARECKS signals the beginning of a transformative era for renewable energy education in Africa. He noted that the institution will serve as a centre of excellence for training technicians, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will contribute significantly to Nigeria's clean energy ambitions and the continent's sustainable development agenda.

As Nigeria continues to diversify its energy mix and expand investments in renewable technologies, the establishment of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College is expected to play a strategic role in producing the skilled manpower required to power the nation's transition to a low-carbon economy while supporting economic growth, energy access, and environmental sustainability.

Hypenews Reports can confirm the successful commissioning of BARECKS stands as a testament to the Federal Government's commitment to investing in innovation, human capital development, and sustainable energy solutions. It further reinforces Nigeria's position as a leading advocate for renewable energy development in Africa and signals a brighter future for generations to come.

HYPENEWS REPORTS