Energy Institute, Lonadek launches initiative to close gaps in Nigeria’s power sector

The Energy Institute, Nigeria in partnership with Lonadek’s Cedar Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Centre (STEM) and the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE), have launched a 4-months Graduate Engineering Training Scheme (GETS).

The project will focus on addressing power gaps in Nigeria using conventional and non- conventional sources of energy. The programme is open to all young qualified engineers.

According to the organisers, the GETS project will deploy state-of-the-art technology to stimulate innovation, and close the gap between theory and practice.

“It will also empower beneficiaries to become best-fit professionals, with a focus on priority sectors of the economy (Energy, Power, Infrastructure and Agriculture),” states a release by the organisers.

It further said, “Individuals who choose to participate will learn through conferences, seminars and workshops, facility tours, site-based experiences, individual and group projects.”

Commenting on the scheme, Yewande Abiose, the managing director of Energy Institute Nigeria said, “The Graduate Engineering Training Scheme (GETS) will focus on developing well-rounded Energy and Power Engineers with technical know-how to generate clean and reliable sources of power that can be used in Nigerian communities.

She further said, “Our long-term goal is to develop sustainable and renewable power supply sources (Solar, Bio-Mass and alternative sources) to add to Nigeria’s existing on-grid sources of power and also off-grid sources to local communities, thereby providing assistance in meeting the power generation targets of Nigeria with a net effect of spurring industrialization, entrepreneurship and economic development.”

The organisers say the GETS project is in tandem with the four cardinal objectives of Royal Academy of Engineering Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF) Africa Catalyst Award and part of Energy Institute’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.

Ibilola Amao, Lonadek chief executive said that the Graduate Engineering and Training Scheme (GETS) includes site/field work, HSSE and QA/QC which is not currently part of the curriculum of higher learning institutions.

“On-the-job exposure with mentors, coaches and supervisors, multi-disciplinary training shall be delivered to harness holistic capabilities that are critical to professionalism and entrepreneurship.

Through real-time tracking of power supply at home and remote areas, the programme would equip participants with experience, knowledge, skills and good practice that will address power related issues in Nigeria,” she said.

Other partners include Yaba College of Technology and the International Human Resources Development Corporation (IHRDC), who will support the scheme with laboratory requirements and E-Learning, respectively.