President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is poised to lead Africa’s renewable energy revolution following the inauguration of Africa’s first Renewable Energy College and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant in Kogi State.
The facilities, located at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, were inaugurated on Tuesday by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of the President.
Tinubu described the new institution as a major step toward addressing one of Nigeria’s longstanding development challenges by transforming the country’s abundant renewable resources into economic opportunities.
“This institution represents our commitment to turning Nigeria’s vast sunlight, wind, biomass and water resources into energy, jobs and prosperity for our people,” the President said.
He noted that the college, modelled after India’s renowned Barefoot vocational training initiative, would equip trainees with practical skills in renewable energy technologies.
“If such a model transformed rural communities elsewhere, there is no reason it cannot do the same for communities across Nigeria. From today, Nigeria is setting the pace for renewable energy capacity development in Africa,” Tinubu stated.
The President also reflected on the swift completion of the project, saying it demonstrated that major public infrastructure could be delivered within a reasonable timeframe.
“Two years ago, this was only an ambitious idea. Today, it stands as a world-class institution completed to international standards,” he said.
According to Tinubu, Africa’s greatest challenge in the energy transition is not a lack of ambition but a shortage of skilled professionals.
“Our continent has never lacked ideas. What has been missing are the trained hands to bring those ideas to life,” he said.
He explained that the college would train technicians, installers, operators and maintenance professionals while issuing internationally recognised certificates that would enhance graduates’ employment and entrepreneurial prospects.
“A certificate earned here should one day command respect across Africa and beyond,” he added.
Tinubu called on development partners, private sector investors, research institutions and international organisations to collaborate with the college, assuring them of Nigeria’s readiness to build strategic partnerships in renewable energy development.
He commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, and the Kogi State Government for their roles in delivering the project.
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the college as a landmark investment in human capital development and sustainable growth.
He said the institution would strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector, attract investment and create economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, said the project aligned with the Federal Government’s vision of building a knowledge-driven economy through investment in technical skills.
He stressed that developing a competent workforce in strategic sectors such as renewable energy would be critical to Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said the college features modern facilities, including smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre and energy efficiency laboratories.
He expressed confidence that the institution would produce highly skilled professionals capable of advancing renewable energy research, innovation and deployment in line with the Federal Government’s development agenda.
Also speaking, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ahmed Anaje, said the establishment of the college would empower young Nigerians with valuable technical skillswhile contributing to national development.
