Dr. Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REAN), has expressed great satisfaction with the progress of the first batch of participants in the Next Gen RESCO Program as their classroom training phase comes to an end.
During his visit, Dr. Aliyu described the experience as deeply fulfilling, noting the remarkable growth of the trainees. “Today, I had the profound joy of visiting the inaugural cohort of the Next Gen RESCO Program as the classroom training phase draws to a close. What I witnessed filled me with immense pride and deep satisfaction,” he said.
According to him, the young Nigerians in the program have not only gained technical knowledge but have also shown significant attitudinal and professional transformation. He praised their dedication and highlighted how some of the participants, known as the Next Geners, have already taken the bold step of creating their own Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO). “This bold step is an attestation to the entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving mindset the program has successfully cultivated,” Dr. Aliyu explained.
One of the standout moments of his visit was meeting Kayode, a participant who developed a load sizing calculator during the training camp. The innovative tool is designed to help households determine the right solar PV capacity to meet their energy needs. Dr. Aliyu described this development as both practical and impactful.
As the participants prepare to be deployed to different RESCOs across Nigeria, Dr. Aliyu expressed optimism about the innovative ideas and tools that will emerge from them. He commended their strong technical skills, particularly their knowledge of Vida, Odyssey, and community engagement strategies, emphasizing that these competencies will be critical in advancing renewable energy solutions.
“This inaugural cohort has set a high standard, and I am confident they will go on to be celebrated not just for their skills but also for their enduring contributions to Nigeria’s renewable energy journey,” he said.
Dr. Aliyu added that the Next Gen RESCO Program is more than just a training initiative, describing it as a movement aimed at creating innovators and leaders who will localize the renewable energy value chain, generate employment, and position Nigeria as Africa’s hub for renewable energy development.