Governor Usman Ododo has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi State. The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara, marked a significant step toward promoting renewable energy and addressing the challenges posed by climate change in Nigeria.
Governor Ododo, who laid the foundation for the college alongside the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, and the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, expressed confidence that the project will play a crucial role in advancing renewable energy sources and fostering climate adaptation efforts in the country.
Highlighting the college’s mission, Governor Ododo emphasized its commitment to empowering marginalized communities, promoting gender equality, and strengthening local resilience through education and training in renewable energy.
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, described the establishment of Nigeria’s first Renewable Energy College as a milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable development and energy transition. He stated that the college demonstrates the Ministry’s dedication to addressing the manpower gap in the renewable energy sector and harnessing Nigeria’s abundant energy resources through strategic collaboration with industry stakeholders under the coordination of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
The Minister also stressed that the college’s success will depend heavily on the support of the Kogi State government, the host institution, and the local community to ensure its long-term sustainability. He praised Governor Ododo for his significant contributions in bringing the Renewable Energy College to fruition, noting that this initiative will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, echoed these sentiments, describing the college as a key milestone in delivering renewable energy solutions across Nigeria. He emphasized that the initiative will not only address the need for skilled manpower in the renewable energy industry but will also enhance knowledge and innovation in this critical field.
