By Suleiman Abdulmumin
Nigeria has taken a significant step in advancing renewable energy development with the commissioning of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS) at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State.
The landmark project, an initiative of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), was officially commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was represented at the ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the college as a major milestone not only for Nigeria but for the African continent. He noted that BARECKS is the first purpose-built institution in Africa dedicated to practical renewable energy education, research, innovation, and workforce development.
According to him, the college is modeled after India’s renowned Barefoot College and is designed to provide hands-on renewable energy training to Nigerians regardless of their formal educational background.
Dr. Abdullahi explained that the institution bridges the gap between non-formal skills acquisition and academic research by combining practical technical training with university-supported innovation. He added that the facility is equipped with modern infrastructure, including smart classrooms, renewable energy laboratories, photovoltaic and solar thermal workshops, battery storage and power electronics laboratories, mini-grid simulation platforms, as well as wind and bioenergy training units.
Other features of the college include electric vehicle charging modules and energy efficiency laboratories, all aimed at equipping trainees with the skills required to drive Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
The ECN boss expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for their support toward the successful completion of the project. He also acknowledged the contributions of key government officials, including the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Dr. Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello; and former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN.
He further commended the Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Professor Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other partners for their support and commitment.
Dr. Abdullahi described the commissioning of BARECKS as the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s renewable energy journey, expressing optimism that the institution would play a critical role in building a skilled workforce and expanding access to clean energy solutions across the country.
He added that the initiative reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to sustainable development and positions the country as a leader in renewable energy capacity building in Africa.