- Firm to Unveil Renewable Energy Institute in Ogun
Asteven International Group, an indigenous renewable energy company, has said it is set to launch the first private sector-financed comprehensive renewable energy and energy efficiency centre in Nigeria.
It said the Asteven Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Academy was conceptualised to build technical know-how and capacity, creating solar entrepreneurs, competent solar/renewable energy technicians, installers and engineers.
According to a statement by the firm, it is a 100 per cent solar-powered institute with the latest high-tech equipment.
It said the academy’s training curriculum and modules had been developed in collaboration with global energy institutes.
The statement said, “It is dynamic in nature with a strong focus on local content. It seeks to promote backward integration in the renewable energy sector and create green jobs for women, youths, and university graduates. Overall, it is set to address the skills gap that is so prevalent in the renewable energy sector in Nigeria.”
It said the centre would be officially opened by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, with the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, as the chief host.
Special guests would include the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and the Minister of Energy, Sierra-Leone, Amb. Henry Macaulay, it added.
The company noted that over the years, the dearth of skilled manpower had impeded the growth of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria.
It said, “Most renewable energy companies in Nigeria and indeed West Africa are presumed not to have the required technical capacity to embark on renewable energy projects. This assumption is fuelled by the array of failed renewable energy projects seen all over the country.
“As the first of its kind, the academy has an obligation to provide superior, globally competitive training and specialist certification for trainees. The academy shall develop forward-looking curricula, identify career pathways, share labour market data and resolve issues related to training on renewable energy technologies and workforce development. This shall be done through multiple offerings, including train-the-trainer workshops and webinars, distance learning courses, and mobile laboratory training modules.”
According to the statement, the entrepreneurship arm of the academy will focus on empowering the society in a more evolving environment, dealing with energy issues, and trainees will be provided with the requisite skill sets and opportunities to be entrepreneurs, contributing towards Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
“With the launch of the academy, the renewable energy sector is poised to grow in Nigeria, powering eco-development and driving enhanced green growth awareness. The academy is endorsed by the various associations in the industry in Nigeria including the Council for Renewable Energy Nigeria, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria and Sustainable Energy Practitioners Association of Nigeria,” it said.
