…bridges skills gap to advance Nigeria’s 2060 net-zero target
Ogun State Govt. to sponsor 30 indigenes for National Diploma at Asteven Energy Institute
Oredola Adeola
Asteven Energy Institute has shortlisted 23 students currently enrolled in the COREN Solar Photovoltaic Installation Course to sit for the certification examination under Nigeria’s Clean Energy Certification Scheme.
The Asteven Renewable Energy Institute has awarded COREN certificates to 40 participants in Photovoltaic (PV) solar technical skills as part of efforts to build human capacity and close the skills gap required to achieve Nigeria’s commitment to the 2060 Paris Agreement on energy transition.
According to Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, Chairman and Founder of Asteven Energy Institute, achieving the net-zero emission target of 2060 cannot be realized without a skilled workforce.
Dr. Akpoyibo, CEO of ASTEVEN Group of Companies, stated this in his remark on Tuesday during the institute’s COREN graduation ceremony at its headquarters in Asese, Ogun State.
He recalled, “Solar energy system was introduced into the Nigeria’s energy mix about 20 years ago. At that time, the first project executed by Asteven in Nigeria required us to fly in technicians from Germany just to fix a common solar water project for Chevron.
“I searched for professionals in Nigeria who understood the design and engineering, but there were none,” he said.
He said, “Africa is a continent with very high solar radiation.”
Addressing multilateral funding opportunities and the challenge of indigenous capacity, he stated, “Nigeria initially received $550 million from the World Bank for renewable energy projects. Due to the success of that initiative, the country has now secured an additional $750 million under the REA.”
“Unfortunately, indigenous solar installers benefited very little from the first $550 million. The funds were exhausted in just six months, but our youths missed out because many lacked the required skills and capacity.
“The bulk of professional installations were carried out by foreign contractors due to this skill gap.”
He expressed concern over the lack of employability among young Nigerians, stating, “It is disheartening to see young people who lack the necessary skills to secure employment or qualify as contractors for these funds.
“Although 60 percent of the multilateral finance comes as a grant, Nigerian companies and contractors managed to secure only 10 percent, while Chinese and Indian firms took the majority.”
“Our key focus at Asteven Energy Institute is to develop the necessary skills to compete for professional jobs and understand what is required to win solar project contracts.
“The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project is ongoing, and we encourage young professionals with COREN certification—one of the highest short courses in solar technology and management—to take advantage of this opportunity,” Dr. Akpoyibo stated.
He further said, “Asteven Institute is the first renewable energy institute accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in Nigeria and approved by the Ministry of Education to run National Diploma (ND) and, subsequently, Higher National Diploma (HND) programs in renewable energy.
Dr. Akpoyibo underscored the institute’s rigorous curriculum development process. “Our National Diploma in Solar Technology curriculum took almost three years to develop.
“We traveled to Germany with our team to refine it, and after presenting it to the government, the NBTE was directed to develop another version in India,” he explained.
Addressing the graduates, he urged them to leverage their training, saying, “The goal is not just to receive a certificate but also to network and contribute to solving Nigeria’s energy crisis. We are integrating our graduates into the Alumni of Asteven Energy Institute.”
He encouraged them to prepare for consulting roles, adding, “There are World Bank and UNDP funds available for renewable projects in Nigeria. With the COREN-certified short courses provided by Asteven, our graduates are well-equipped for practical installations and business management in the renewable energy sector.”
Dr. Akpoyibo also revealed new international opportunities, stating, “Asteven has signed an MoU with a Canadian institute to enable COREN-certified students to undertake a six-month advanced training program in Canada, where they can work as professionals.”
He appealed for Ogun State indigenes to be part of the first 30 National Diploma graduates from Asteven Energy Institute, emphasizing that the two-year ND program is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
“A lot of funds are coming into Nigeria, including the $750 million World Bank REA fund. MDAs should not be awarding solar installation jobs to artisans and unqualified individuals without COREN certification.
“We want to ensure that no contract is given by the Nigerian government to those without proper certification.”
The Ogun State Government has committed to publicize the Asteven Institute’s capacity and ensuring its graduates contribute credibly to solar installations in Nigeria.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by Dr. Ola Oresanya, the Commissioner for Environment, made this commitment, while commending the graduates for their dedication in acquiring skills over six weeks.
“We will ensure that only technicians certified by Asteven Energy Institute operate in Ogun State, and only solar equipment approved by the Institute is used.”
“Government serves as an enabler by creating policies that guarantee the safety of solar installations. It is not just about financial interventions; we must ensure that only trained personnel from Asteven Energy Institute handle installations.
“Safety checks will validate solar panels’ integrity, reinforcing our partnership with the Institute. This publicity will attract more interest in the Institute and expand opportunities,” Dr. Oresanya said.
The Commissioner therefore charged the graduates to continuously enhance their skills and uphold best practices.
He added, “The quality of installations should be evident in their tidiness, safety measures, organization, and post-installation monitoring. Maintenance schedules and professionalism are crucial. There must be no room for mistakes; precision is key.”
Oresanya further noted, “The solar energy market is growing, as many households aspire to own solar panels, with some even viewing them as a status symbol. The challenge now is to unlock an economic model that makes solar panels more accessible.”
On financing renewable energy, he disclosed, “Ogun State is establishing a committee to explore business models that make renewable energy affordable for residents.
“We are working with banks to provide 24-month financing for solar panel acquisitions, leveraging Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) as collateral. This arrangement will allow residents to pay overtime,” he said.
He further urged the Asteven Energy Institute to integrate renewable energy economics and business into its curriculum, stating, “Understanding the financial aspects of renewable energy will create more opportunities for the Institute and its graduates.”
He also announced, “The Commissioner for Education, Ministry of Environment, Bureau of Energy, and Special Advisers to the Governor on Energy must collaborate with the Institute.
“The Ogun State Government will sponsor 30 indigenes of the state to obtain the institute’s National Diploma (ND) holders in achieving higher certifications.”
Speaking on internships, he stated, “The Ogun State Government is ready to partner with the Institute to facilitate a three or six-month internship exchange programme in industries operating in the state.”
Finally, Dr. Oresanya challenged the graduates, “You must elevate the reputation of the Institute as entrepreneurs entering the renewable energy market. The standard of installations must reflect the highest level of professionalism and precision.”
Professor Magnus Onuoha, Rector of the Institute in his remark underscored Asteven Energy Institute’s role as a private-sector champion for renewable energy.
“From day one, we have been at the forefront of pushing the renewable energy narrative, working to close the capacity gap, and ensuring that Nigeria achieves energy access and security to improve the quality of life for our people,” he asserted.
Professor Onuoha noted that the institute has trained more than 200 personnel in COREN-accredited short courses through scholarships.
He further explained the institute’s drive to expand beyond short certifications. “Beyond the COREN certificate, we saw the need to introduce the ND program—the first of its kind in Africa,” he stated.
To achieve this, he recounted how the institute spearheaded the development of a specialized curriculum.
“We applied for the sponsorship of the curriculum and assembled key stakeholders in the industry to design courses in solar energy,” he said. “We spent over N20 million to develop the curriculum, which was finally ready by April 2020 after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
By 2021, the institute commenced the short certification course, and Onuoha pointed out the growing demand for such qualifications.
“Passion drives success, even after graduating with the COREN short certificate,” he noted. “Many people are actively searching for where to obtain a recognized solar energy certification.”
He proudly stated that Asteven Energy Institute is now the center for the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Certificate, in addition to the COREN certification.
“The true milestone, however, is the ND certificate, which ensures that trained personnel are fully employable,” he said. “This program covers engineering, system design, and other critical areas within the renewable energy value chain.”
Professor Onuoha disclosed that to further support trainees, the institute intends to offer automatic admission into its ND programmes.
“I look forward to seeing over 100 scholars as we commence the ND certificate in solar technology,” he expressed.
