BREAKING: Nigeria Commissions Africa’s First Barefoot Renewable Energy College

BREAKING: Nigeria Commissions Africa’s First Barefoot Renewable Energy College

Nigeria on Tuesday recorded a defining milestone in its clean energy journey with the commissioning of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS) at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State. Established by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), the institution is regarded as Africa’s first purpose-built Barefoot Renewable Energy College, dedicated to practical renewable energy education, research, innovation and workforce development.

The landmark institution was commissioned on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Vice President Kashim Shettima, in the presence of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello; APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh; Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria Mustapha Abdullahi, who hosted the event; Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu; members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, captains of industry, development partners, directors and staff of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, and other dignitaries from across the country.

The state-of-the-art institution comprises modern classrooms, practical training workshops, seminar and conference halls, demonstration laboratories, trainee hostels, administrative blocks, kitchenette facilities and other world-class infrastructure designed to deliver hands-on training in renewable energy technologies. The facility is expected to commence full academic and technical activities immediately, equipping trainees with practical skills in solar photovoltaic systems, mini-grid technologies, renewable energy installation and maintenance, energy efficiency and clean energy entrepreneurship.

In his remarks, Mustapha Abdullahi said the Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS) drew inspiration from globally renowned renewable energy training institutions, particularly the Barefoot model in India, and was developed as a world-class practical renewable energy institution. He said the college would serve as a hub for research, innovation, technology development, skills acquisition and job creation, positioning Nigeria and Africa at the forefront of the global clean energy transition while supporting sustainable national development.

The project is a flagship initiative of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, conceived and successfully executed under the leadership of Mustapha Abdullahi as part of the Commission’s vision to build a highly skilled renewable energy workforce and strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in clean energy innovation. Beyond technical training, the college is expected to promote research, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships that will contribute to national development.

The commissioning also reinforces Osara’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s foremost clean-energy innovation hubs. Located within the same ecosystem is the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, another flagship project of the Energy Commission of Nigeria designed to advance research and capacity development in green hydrogen and emerging energy technologies, further positioning CUSTECH as a centre for renewable energy excellence in Africa.

The journey to today’s historic commissioning began with the groundbreaking ceremony in August 2024. Less than two years later, the vision has been transformed into a fully completed institution through the commitment of the Energy Commission of Nigeria under the leadership of Mustapha Abdullahi, demonstrating the Commission’s resolve to translate national energy policy into enduring institutions that will benefit generations of Nigerians.

With today’s inauguration, Nigeria has not only opened a new institution but has established a continental benchmark for renewable energy education and workforce development. As Africa’s first purpose-built Barefoot Renewable Energy College, BARECKS stands as a landmark achievement in the nation’s clean energy journey and a lasting symbol of visionary leadership, innovation and strategic investment in human capital. It is expected to drive research, nurture innovation, create jobs and produce the skilled workforce that will help power Nigeria’s and Africa’s sustainable energy future.