The Federal Government has commenced the national review of the renewable energy curriculum in the country’s higher institutions of learning.
The review of the curriculum is aimed at reshaping how technical education equips future professionals for the clean energy revolution.
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at an event on the overhaul of the National Diploma (ND) programme in renewable energy, and the development of two new Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes — one in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and another in Solar Thermal Technologies.
The event was organised by NBTE in collaboration with INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL), the Government of the Netherlands and the House of Representatives.
Bugaje noted that stakeholders from academia, government and the private sector are working together to ensure the final curriculum reflects global standards, industry needs, and Nigeria’s unique energy landscape.
The NBTE also pledged to continue engaging partners to ensure a modern, practical, and future-ready curriculum – one that doesn’t just talk about energy transition, but trains the hands and minds who will build it.
The executive secretary said the review would also develop National Occupational Standards (NOS) for solar installations — essential for standardising training across polytechnics and correcting dangerous practices currently observed in the field.
“We’ve seen too many rooftop solar systems failing due to incorrect tilt angles. These failures aren’t just inefficient—they’re dangerous. This curriculum will fix that,” he said.
Bugaje revealed that Nigeria has less than 30 watts of electricity available per capita.
He added that over 60 per cent of grid power is consumed by Lagos and Ogun states, saying if the country was serious about industrialisation and expanding access, a decentralised solar energy is not just a solution, but a necessity.
Bugaje stated: “Nigeria has less than 30 watts of electricity available per capita, and over 60 per cent of grid power is consumed by just two states–Lagos and Ogun.
“If we’re serious about industrialisation and expanding access, decentralised solar energy is not just a solution, it’s a necessity.”
Bugaje stressed that Nigeria’s rich deposits of high-purity silica, particularly in Daura and Jigawa, provide a strategic advantage for local production of solar PV cells.
He noted that tapping into this potential would require a technically skilled workforce trained in solid-state physics, hybrid energy systems, solar cooling, and thermal electricity generation.
Also, the Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Victor Ogene, emphasised that recently the Green Chamber had adopted a resolution that makes it mandatory for government ministries, agencies, departments and institutions to transition to renewable energy sources for their power needs, thus necessitating the urgent need to bridge the skill gaps in the sector.
The Knowledge Manager at ASCL-INCLUDE, Victoria Manya described it as a foundation for inclusive growth, energy justice, and skills that matter in today’s world.