The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has trained 100 youth in Anambra on Solar installation and maintenance.
Mr. Mohammed Haruna, a professor, the agency Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive speaking at the event, disclosed the target is to contribute 50 megawatts of solar energy to Nigeria’s electricity by 2023.
A statement by Deputy Director of Information, NASENI, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, quoted Haruna as saying that the agency already had achieved about 21 Megawatts per annum with installed capacity through its NASENI Solar Energy Limited, a manufacturing plant located in Karshi, Abuja, owned by the agency.
According to him, the plant is now implementing its plan to double that capacity to move its production capacity to 50 Megawatts to bridge the gaps of over 80 percent of imported substandard solar products which has flooded Nigerian markets.
He harped on the need for training and retraining of technicians in the solar system electric power supply subsector, stressing that a competent workforce for Nigeria is a must for self-reliance and industrial development.
He said, “Technicians must be trained and retrained for knowledge updates. Failure to acquire skills and training for solar electricity supply is the root cause of most failed solar installations across the country. This is frustrating and discouraging to customers, some consumers are already contemplating that solar system is a myth instead of a reality.”
However, he noted that NASENI solar panels and installations have not recorded failure anywhere across the country.
Haruna said, “Although we are aware that some solar installations are failing even before commissioning. No two solar system installations are exactly the same even if they are of the same size and capacity. Load survey, computation and analysis are on a case-by-case basis. Accordingly, you must acquire skills on how to carry out load survey, design, component specification and the selection and then component matching in that order, before installation. The solar power system is modular, and there are specific methods and scientific approaches to installation, repairs and maintenance,” he said.
The NASENI boss reiterated that there could be no industrial development without a skilled workforce, stressing that Nigeria cannot continue to import machines, men and other equipment and still aspire for an industrial economy.
According to him, skilled Nigerians are the most important of all components of a knowledge-based economy, adding that the mandate of skilled development given to NASENI by the President, Major Muhammadu Buhari, is among the key or important legacies of the present administration.
Haruna further urged the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to commence a five-year programme on rebooting tertiary education workshops and laboratories across the country with appropriate equipment that will make it possible for all students to acquire at least an occupational trade skill before graduation.
“Compulsory skill acquisition course is needed as an integral part of tertiary education curriculum of National University Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) as a modification or substitute of entrepreneurship programme of tertiary education that is of limited impact,” he added.
In her own remarks, the Chairman Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, expressed optimism on the benefits of the training to youths in Anambra State.
“I strongly believe in the importance and gains of the training today which cannot be overemphasized.”The mandate of NASENI is for capital goods in the areas of research on reverse engineering, industry, chemical, chemistry and engineering.”The essence of this training is actually to train our youths on solar installation and maintenance.
“If you look at the way the country is going today, we are trying to find alternatives to energy and solar is one of them.
“I believe that if the trainees paid attention to what they were taught it will give them an opportunity to be self-reliant and to train others,” she said.
The NASENI boss reiterated that there could be no industrial development without a skilled workforce, stressing that Nigeria cannot continue to import machines, men, and other equipment and still aspire for an industrial economy.
According to him, skilled Nigerians are the most important of all components of a knowledge-based economy, adding that the mandate of skilled development given to NASENI by the President, Major Muhammadu Buhari, is among the key or important legacies of the present administration.
Haruna further urged the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to commence a five-year programme on rebooting tertiary education workshops and laboratories across the country with appropriate equipment that will make it possible for all students to acquire at least an occupational trade skill before graduation.
“Compulsory skill acquisition course is needed as an integral part of tertiary education curriculum of National University Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) as a modification or substitute of entrepreneurship programme of tertiary education that is of limited impact,” he added.
In her own remarks, the Chairman Senate Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, expressed optimism on the benefits of the training to youths in Anambra State.
“I strongly believe in the importance and gains of the training today which cannot be overemphasized.”The mandate of NASENI is for capital goods in the areas of research on reverse engineering, industry, chemical, chemistry, and engineering.”The essence of this training is actually to train our youths on solar installation and maintenance.
“If you look at the way the country is going today, we are trying to find alternatives to energy and solar is one of them.
“I believe that if the trainees paid attention to what they were taught it will give them an opportunity to be self-reliant and to train others,” she said.