ECN Commissions Africa’s First Barefoot Renewable Energy College In Kogi

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has marked a historic milestone with the commissioning of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BARECKS) at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State. As Africa’s first purpose-built institution for practical renewable energy education, research, innovation, and workforce development, BARECKS is a flagship initiative of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, modeled after India’s renowned Barefoot College.

The institution provides practical renewable energy training to Nigerians, irrespective of their educational background, while bridging the gap between hands-on technical skills and university-backed research. The landmark facility was commissioned on Tuesday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Dignitaries present included His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Dr. Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello; Former Attorney General of Nigeria, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN; the Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Professor Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu; members of the APC National Working Committee, traditional rulers, legislators, development partners, captains of industry, ECN directors and staff, and other distinguished guests.

In their remarks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other dignitaries described BARECKS as a landmark renewable energy achievement for Nigeria and Africa. They also commended the leadership of the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, applauding the Commission’s achievements over the past two years and describing his appointment by President Tinubu as well deserved.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi described the college as 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 noted that BARECKS combines practical field-based training with academic excellence and features 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.

The Director-General added that 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.