By Adeyinka Adeniran
A consortium of experts and stakeholders in the renewable energy sector have called on government at all levels to foster collaboration and inclusiveness in order to strengthen the renewable energy sector and secure a better future.
This is as the consortium including: Climate Emerge Innovation Development (CEID) Hub, Celloop, Decibels, Thinkclock on Thursday completed the training of over 1,000 youths and women across Nigeria on the local manufacturing of lithium batteries, with a view to solving Nigeria’s growing energy generation challenges.
The initiative, sponsored by Innovate UK under the Zero Emission Generator project, aims to build local expertise in clean energy technology, create employment opportunities for youth and women, and encourage battery innovation and circular economy practices.
The event marks the culmination of a hands-on initiative aimed at equipping participants with practical skills in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector, with the goal of empowering young people and women across Nigeria.
The training programme also provides participants with hands-on experience in assembling lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable batteries commonly used in solar systems and everyday electronic devices, alongside lessons on safety, energy storage systems, and basic fault detection and repair.
Speaking at the event, Oyo state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto who was represented by the Director, Pollution and Quality control, Dr. Funmilayo Adesina said the training did not only build technical capacity but empowered a new generation of green entrepreneurs and climate leaders.
Highlighting the critical role of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria’s sustainable development, the Commissioner encourages youths to develop a strong interest in renewable energy and actively engage in programs and initiatives that foster innovation, skill development, and economic growth.
He said, “While we embrace battery technologies as part of the clean energy transition, we must also address the environmental impacts associated with battery production, use, and disposal. This is where the concept of a circular economy, which CEID Hub actively promotes, becomes essential.
“Achieving our climate and environmental goals cannot be done in isolation; it requires strong partnerships between government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and development partners. Initiatives like this provide an important platform for such collaboration and should be encouraged and scaled up.”
In his remarks, the Founder of CEID Hub, Mr. Sope Afolayan, appreciates the partnership and dedication of private collaborators, noting that the training is designed not only to transfer technical expertise but also to create pathways for career growth and entrepreneurship in the renewable energy sector.
He also emphasize that the hub has trained over 1,000 students virtually and 352 in-person across Nigeria.
Afolayan said the training was anchored on raising awareness on battery recycling, develop a skilled workforce ready to pursue careers in the renewable energy sector, as well as equipping participants with technical and practical skills in lithium-ion battery pack design, assembly, development, and recycling.
He explained that each successful participant has received an internationally recognised certificate of participation and a Battery Pack Design Starter Kit comprising eight used lithium-ion batteries, battery racks, a soldering iron, lead wire, and a multimeter.
In his remarks, the Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder, Celloop Limited, Tolulope Olukokun while appreciating Innovate UK and other development partners, emphasized the need for Nigeria to start local production of batteries to complement its power generation.
While urging governments at all levels to fund such initiatives, he said the consortium is the first training platform for battery pack manufacturing in Nigeria.
He called on the federal and state governments to implement policies that support the renewable energy sector, fund collaborative projects, and enable Nigeria to transition from being primarily an importer to becoming a producer and exporter of renewable energy solutions.
He said the participants will also have opportunities for advance training abroad.
Also speaking, the Acting Head of the Department of Sustainability Studies and Director of the University of Ibadan Centre for Sustainable Development (CESDEV), Dr Olushola Fadairo stresses that participants should view the Battery Pack Design training programme as a golden opportunity as the programme not only benefits future generations but also gives them a competitive edge in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
