ECN Unveils Africa's First Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has commissioned Africa's first Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS), a landmark institution designed to equip Nigerians with practical renewable energy skills and accelerate the country's transition to clean energy.
The college, located at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State, was inaugurated on Tuesday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Modelled after India's internationally acclaimed Barefoot College, BARECKS is the first purpose-built institution of its kind on the continent, combining hands-on renewable energy training with academic research, innovation and workforce development. The initiative is expected to bridge the gap between technical skills acquisition and university-based research, while making renewable energy education accessible to Nigerians regardless of their educational background.
The inauguration attracted top government officials, including Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh; Minister of Steel Development, Dr. Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello; former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN); the Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, alongside traditional rulers, lawmakers, development partners, industry leaders and senior ECN officials.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu, through Vice President Shettima, described the institution as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and Africa's renewable energy sector. He also commended the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, for what he described as the Commission's remarkable achievements over the past two years.
In his address, Abdullahi said the college would serve as a national hub for renewable energy research, technology development, skills acquisition and innovation, while creating employment opportunities and strengthening Nigeria's position in the global clean energy transition.
According to him, the institution boasts world-class facilities, including renewable energy laboratories, photovoltaic and solar thermal workshops, battery storage and power electronics laboratories, mini-grid simulation platforms, wind and bioenergy training facilities, electric vehicle charging modules and energy efficiency laboratories.
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