Stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector have unveiled an enhanced solar energy curriculum aimed at addressing the country’s power deficit while promoting renewable energy skills and job creation.
The initiative was presented at a High-Level Dissemination Session in Abuja, themed “Green Skills and Political Will in the Renewable Energy Curriculum Review Initiative in Nigeria”. The event, led by INCLUDE—an international knowledge platform on inclusive development—brought together policymakers, academics and sector experts.
INCLUDE’s Executive Director, Dr Anika Altaf, said the programme would not only tackle energy challenges but also boost employment opportunities by equipping the workforce with green skills. Knowledge Manager at INCLUDE, Ms Victoria Manya, added that evidence-based research had driven the curriculum review in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
She explained that the new curriculum, already approved for adoption by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions nationwide, would ensure Nigeria builds the capacity needed for a just energy transition.
House Committee on Renewable Energy Chairman, Rep. Victor Ogene, commended the collaboration, noting its socio-economic benefits, including strengthening local content and generating jobs in the green economy. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting laws and policies that promote renewable energy skills and workforce development.
NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, said Nigeria’s longstanding partnership with the Netherlands had been central to the sector’s transformation. He stressed that the updated curriculum would position the workforce for active participation in the fourth industrial revolution.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Managing Director, Dr Abba Aliyu, highlighted the need for private sector investment and a skilled renewable energy workforce to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition.
The session concluded with the symbolic handover of the curriculum and the launch of a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) programme. The initiative will train over 300 TVET instructors across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with sessions scheduled for Lagos from August 25 to 26 and Kano from September 2 to 3.