Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) have launched a new training initiative aimed at developing the next generation of engineers for Nigeria’s power sector.
The companies, which are members of the Sahara Power Group, unveiled the Sahara Power Technical and Innovation Academy (SPTIA) to equip young Nigerian engineers with technical skills, practical industry knowledge, and hands-on experience in electricity generation operations.
According to a statement released by the company, the academy will admit 50 graduate engineers into a 10-month intensive programme designed to combine classroom learning with practical training across key power generation assets operated by the group.
The organisers said participants would gain direct exposure to plant operations, maintenance systems, and global industry standards that are critical to building careers in the electricity sector.
The programme will also place strong attention on safety training, which the company described as a core part of the academy’s structure.
“A strong emphasis will also be placed on safety as a core pillar of the Academy. The trainees will undergo mandatory safety modules covering industry standards and safe work practices, complemented by practical, scenario-based sessions,” the statement said.
It added that the training approach is intended to build a safety-first culture among participants and prepare them to operate confidently within power plant environments.
At the end of the programme, top-performing trainees will be deployed across Sahara Power Group companies, including Egbin Power, FIPL, and some upstream operations. Others are expected to enter the wider Nigerian electricity labour market as part of efforts to strengthen technical capacity within the industry.
Speaking on the initiative, the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, said the academy represents a long-term investment in Nigeria’s energy future and a response to the growing need for skilled professionals in the sector.
“We are committed to powering Nigeria not just through infrastructure, but through people. This Academy reflects our belief that the future of sustainable energy delivery must be driven by skilled, young professionals who understand the local operating environment,” Adesina said.
He added that Egbin Power and FIPL were selected as the operational base for the programme because of their technical expertise and track record in electricity generation.
“By leveraging these assets, we are creating a pipeline of engineers who are not only technically sound but also industry-ready from the outset,” he said.
Adesina also encouraged the trainees to focus on teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving throughout the programme.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond workforce development and forms part of Sahara Power Group’s broader commitment to supporting human capital growth and improving Nigeria’s power sector capacity.
