ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with key local players in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector to equip the nation’s youths with skills that will boost sustainable energy innovation.
The agreement marks a major step toward expanding off-grid electricity access to universities and rural communities nationwide.
As a Federal Government agency under the Ministry of Power, the REA’s mandate is to deliver reliable electric power to rural and underserved areas through off-grid projects and other innovative initiatives.
In line with this mission, the agency has signed the MoU with Green Energy Mission (GEM) Africa and other industry stakeholders to drive two newly approved Federal Government initiatives the Sustainable University Challenge and the Renewable Energy Internship Program.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by GEM Africa’s Communications Officer, Nnenna Edem.
GEM Africa’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Shuaibu, described the collaboration as critical for building an inclusive energy future.
“This MoU signing is a pivotal moment in our journey towards a sustainable and inclusive energy future. This MoU is more than a partnership; it is a shared commitment to investing in the talent, innovation, and potential of young Nigerians,” he said.
“Through the Sustainable University Challenge and the Renewable Energy Internship Program, we aim to not only light up rural communities, but also ignite the aspirations of the next generation of clean energy leaders,” Shuaibu added, noting the partnership’s “deep alignment” with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7 on clean energy and SDG 8 on decent work).
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REA’s Managing Director and CEO, Abba Abubakar, pledged strong institutional backing for the initiative, stating that the MoU formalises collaboration with GEM Africa and other partners.
“We must empower them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to solve real-world energy challenges. The Sustainable University Challenge and the Renewable Energy Internship Program will deepen innovation, build critical capacity, and support our broader objective of achieving universal, affordable, and sustainable electricity access,” he said.
Under the agreement, GEM Africa and the REA will jointly design and implement programmes to equip young Nigerians with technical expertise, foster university-led innovation, and expand access to sustainable off-grid electricity in underserved communities.
“The Sustainable University Challenge is designed to encourage clean energy research and collaboration across Nigerian universities. It includes the establishment of an academic journal dedicated to renewable energy innovation.
The Renewable Energy Internship Program will offer hands-on training in areas such as solar PV installation, mini-grid development, energy auditing, and project management, with a focus on regional inclusion and national workforce readiness. The MOU is effective for an initial period of three years and may be renewed upon mutual agreement,” the statement read in part.
The MoU signing ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
The multi-year partnership combines GEM Africa’s expertise in renewable energy education and stakeholder engagement with REA’s leadership in rural electrification and public-private collaboration.
Both parties pledged to prioritise accountability, data-driven programme design, and equitable access to opportunities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.