The National Power Training Institute of Nigeria has announced that it has made investments in the renewable energy sector by providing extensive training to create an efficient workforce for the power sector.
According to The Punch, the announcement was made during an alumni seminar held in Lagos on Wednesday with the theme ‘Continuous Professional Development: The Key to Unlocking Power Sector Potential.’
The Director General of the institute, Mr. Ahmed Nagode, also explained that NAPTIN decided to develop an effective training strategy for renewable energy due to the need to explore alternative sources of electricity generation besides the national grid, which included solar energy and other types of renewable energy.
The DG further noted that NAPTIN’s main focus in the renewable energy sector was more on solar PV under the Nigeria Energy Support Programme initiative, which is being handled by GIZ, under a bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Germany.
The report also stated that the Director General said the institute has identified four crucial areas for the development of renewable energy in Nigeria. These areas include solar PV installation and maintenance, advanced solar PV supervision, mini-grid design for off-grid solar systems, and energy efficiency management. These areas are aimed at achieving energy sufficiency in the country, and to equip young Nigerians with the skills to install and maintain renewable energy sources, particularly solar PV.
In his words, “We have chosen the theme of ‘Continuous Professional Development: The Key to Unlocking Power Sector Potentials’ for this event as it is a topic that is close to our hearts. As you all know, the power sector is one of the most critical sectors in our country, and it is one that should constantly evolve to cater for the demands of national development. Our research has shown that by unlocking the potentials of the sector through CPD we can reliably have a pool of dedicated professionals who will lead the sector in keeping up with the changing market needs.’
The Deputy Director of Training Programme, Abdulahi Sambo, also commented during the seminar. He stated that NAPTIN’s activities have expanded beyond Nigeria, as some of its trainers have begun training individuals in other countries.
Sambo then listed several issues that have plagued Nigeria’s power sector, including low investment, deteriorating infrastructure, significant debt, regulatory uncertainty, inadequate transmission and distribution facilities, gas supply problems, and poor management. Despite these challenges, Sambo stated that the sector has significant potential due to the country’s vast reserves of oil and gas.
Some of the attendees who participated in the seminar praised NAPTIN for their efforts, stating that the knowledge gained during their training with the institute has been instrumental in their achievements and breakthroughs in their respective workplaces.
According to the report, they encouraged NAPTIN to continue forging strong relationships with various educational institutions, including universities and polytechnics, to develop curricula that align with the power sector’s daily needs.
