The Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) had signed a contract with the Ceesolar, a renewable energy firm for the implementation of the Female Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), Internship Programme.
The contract for the project which is a vital component of the Energising Education Programme, (EEP) II was signed on Monday in Abuja through the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) and funded by the World Bank.
Speaking during the signing, the Managing Director of REA, Mr Ahmad Salihijo said ”renewable energy is a rapidly growing sector, resulting to an increased demand for skilled professionals and requires women representation.
”I encourage all the female STEM students who have been selected for this programme to make the most of this opportunity.
”This is a chance for you to gain some of the important skills and experience you need to build successful career in the power sector,”he said.
Salihijo appreciated the University of Abuja and all beneficiary institutions for their commitment to the success of the programme.
“I would also like to thank the University of Abuja and all other beneficiary institutions for their commitment to the success of the entire programme, ”he said.
On his part, Mr Abba Aliyu, the Head Project Management Unit of the NEP said that the project was in the process of making history by building an ecosystem that will help to build and strengthen infrastructure and system.
Aluyi said that the project would also create flow of capacity and talents for the beneficiaries.
According to him, he was interested in witnessing a replication and seamless transfer of the valuable knowledge and skills that the interns will gain during their internship experience.
Aluyi also emphasised the importance of capitalising on the opportunity by the interns to maximise their growth in the renewable energy sector.
”The internship programme will provide theoretical and hands-on practical experience to 20 selected female students from each of the seven beneficiary institutions.
”In stages of the EEP projects, as well as provide continued skills and capacity building after the STEM internship programme, ”he said.
He listed the benefiting institutions to include University of Abuja, University of Calabar, University of Maiduguri, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Others he said are the Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria Defence Academy, Federal University, Gashua,
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Ceesolar, Mr Chibuike Ekeh while appreciating REA, stated that his agency was delighted to be part of an impactful and sustainable project.
He said that his dedicated team would in a concerted effort foster collaborative partnership with the students to create a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy, in a friendly and highly conducive learning environment.
” In addition, the students will be given a chance to visit the Energising Education Hybrid solar plant under construction within their school campuses.
”Be part of the project and understand the different components and aspects of solar installation, first hand, ”he said.
Ekeh said that one of the immediate impact of the project, would be the facilitation of 140 female STEM students’ transition into the field of renewable energy.
He said that the initiative aims to provide them with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in the industry, positioning them as leaders who will guide the sector’s development in the near future.
”This aligns with the broader goals of supporting the energy transition and contributing to the collective efforts to combat climate change.
”By imparting this sense of responsibility and preparedness, the students will be better positioned to contribute to the job market and effect meaningful change in the realm of renewable energy.
”The EEP II Female STEM internship programme will serve as a means of introducing and supporting young women who are enthusiastic about renewable energy and the power sector, ”he said.