The Kogi varsity betting on renewable energy for power, job creation in Nigeria

Established in 2020, the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Kogi State has begun training experts in the renewable energy sector to meet Nigeria’s power needs and establish a value chain that will create jobs in the near future.

The Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BREC), located at CUSTECH campus in Osara, Kogi, is already charting a path for a greener economy. The college was set up in partnership with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

Nigeria is aiming to achieve net-zero emissions between 2050 and 2070. To that effect, the country has put together an Energy Transition Plan (ETP) to phase out fossil fuels gradually.

With a population of over 200 million, the country is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, with oil and natural gas supplying roughly 85–90% of the country’s commercial primary energy consumption. Oil continues to dominate the transport sector, and natural gas fuels most of the country’s electricity generation, an indicator of the country’s reliance on fossil fuels despite its energy transition ambitions, according to Our World in Data.

The university also has a green hydrogen pilot project, which is significant because it is one of the technologies needed and expected to play a role in the global shift to low-carbon energy.

Nigeria has only recently begun exploring green hydrogen as part of its broader energy transition plan. Although the country remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, renewable energy and hydrogen are seen as potential avenues to diversify the economy, attract investment and create skilled jobs.

By housing a pilot green hydrogen plant alongside the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, CUSTECH is seeking to combine classroom instruction with hands-on training, giving students practical experience in a technology that is still in its early stages across Africa.

Speaking when Kogi recently hosted a delegation of presidential media aides on a “Renewed Hope” tour, O’tega Ogra, aide to President Bola Tinubu on digital engagement, strategy, and new media, said the renewable energy project cited at CUSTECH is in line with the President Tinubu-led administration targeting the significant use of renewables by 2050.

“The Barefoot Renewable Energy College is only the second in the world. The first one is in India, and also, as part of this Renewable Energy College, you have Africa’s second green hydrogen plant,” he said.

“I also want to say that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as only on Friday, graciously approved that this renewable college, Energy College, the Barefoot Renewable College, will be commissioned next month.”

Ogra said Nigeria could not continue depending on petrol and diesel for its power needs.

CUSTECH now has a population of 6,000 students, nine faculties and 56 programmes accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

On his part, Sunday Dare, special adviser to the president on media and public communications, said the institution is “reputed to be one of the fastest growing universities.”

“Under the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, we have seen a lot of innovations. We see that technical students now go to school free. We see our university students taking NELFUND,” Dare said.

“So you see the President’s mind when it comes to educational investment. And when you see an institution like this coming up with 6,000 young people, then the future is secure. Let me end by saying, Mr President has said it repeatedly. That the best weapon against poverty is education.

“This is a testimony. I think the greatest investment in our young people is education.”

Abdulsalami Ozigi Deedat, Kogi commissioner of works, added that the administration of Usman Ododo has prioritised education, and it is the reason CUSTECH has recorded much progress.

“If the resource is not being made available by Mr President, there is no way you can do this,” the commissioner said.