ECN Unveils Africa’s First Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) on Tuesday commissioned Africa’s first purpose-built Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS) at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State, in a move aimed at expanding practical renewable energy education, research and workforce development on the continent.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated the facility, which the ECN described as a flagship initiative modelled after India’s renowned Barefoot College.

The institution is designed to provide practical renewable energy training to Nigerians irrespective of their educational background, while integrating hands-on technical skills with university-backed research and innovation.

The commissioning ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, development partners, academics and industry leaders.

Among those in attendance were Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN); Minister of Steel Development, Dr. Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello; former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN); Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu; members of the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee and senior officials of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, President Tinubu, through Vice President Shettima, described the project as a major milestone for Nigeria’s renewable energy drive and a significant contribution to Africa’s clean energy future.

Other dignitaries also hailed the initiative, commending the leadership of the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, for what they described as the commission’s achievements over the past two years.

In his address, Abdullahi said the college would serve as a strategic national asset for advancing renewable energy research, innovation, technology development, skills acquisition and employment generation.

“BARECKS is a transformative national asset that will drive research, innovation, technology development, skills acquisition and job creation, positioning Nigeria and Africa at the forefront of the global clean energy transition,” he said.

According to him, the institution combines field-based practical training with academic excellence to equip Nigerians with skills required to meet the growing demand for renewable energy professionals.

He said the facility is equipped with specialised 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.

Abdullahi added that the commissioning of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, alongside the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, reflects the commission’s commitment to developing world-class institutions capable of accelerating renewable energy innovation and strengthening Nigeria’s human capital.

“The commissioning of BARECKS, alongside the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, reflects the Energy Commission of Nigeria’s commitment to building world-class institutions that will accelerate renewable energy innovation, strengthen human capital and support Nigeria’s sustainable economic development,” he said.

The ECN said the college is expected to bridge the gap between practical technical training and academic research while producing a skilled workforce to support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources and contribute to sustainable economic growth.