The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure is also known as NASENI. A Solar PV module/solar panel manufacturing and solar PV power developing and installing company situated in FCT- Abuja, Karshi in Nigeria. The company plans for investors for big inventors, partnering with Italy and many other equipment institutes. It empowers youth to look forward to new modern designs in solar energy.
On Friday, during the closing ceremony of a week-long NASENI skill acquisition training and youth empowerment for 100 youths on solar installation and maintenance in Awka, Anambra. Prof. Mohammed Haruna, Managing Director, Executive Vice Chairman, and Chief Executive of NASENI uncovered the agency’s target to contribute 50 megawatts of solar energy to Nigeria’s electricity by 2023.
The Deputy Director, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan states, “The agency already has achieved about 21 Megawatts per annum with installed capacity through its manufacturing plant in Karshi.” Deputy further adds, “The plant is now implementing its plan to double its capacity to move its production capacity to 50 megawatts to bridge the gap of over 80% imported substandard solar products that previously flooded Nigerian markets.”
Mr. Ayeoyenikan emphasizes the need for training and retraining of technicians in the solar system electric power supply subsector, underlining a competent workforce for Nigeria for self-reliance and industrial development.
The Deputy Director of NASENI, further mentions, “The technicians must be trained and retrained for knowledge updates. Failure to acquire skill and training for solar electricity supply is the root cause of most failed installations across the entire country.” Furthermore, adds on a sad note, “It is frustrating and discouraging to customers who are already contemplating that solar system is a myth instead of a reality.”
NASENI, Managing Director, Prof. M Haruna states, “As we are already aware some solar installations are failing even before commissioning. No two solar system installations would be the same even after they are of the same size and capacity. Load survey, computation, and analysis are on a case-by-case basis.” Adding further he says, “One needs to acquire the skills on how to carry out load survey, design, component specifications, and the selection and then component matching in the order before installation. The solar system is modular, and they are specific methods and scientific approaches to installations, repairs, and maintenance.”
Making everyone aware of the current events and envisioning a brighter future he states, no industrial development without a skilled workforce whilst stressing Nigeria cannot continue to import machines, men, and other equipment and still aspire for an industrial economy.
According to MD Haruna, skilled Nigerians are the most important components of a knowledge-based economy, adding the mandate of skilled development given to NASENI by the President, and Major Mahummadu Buhari is among the key legacy of the present administration.
Urging the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to commence a five-year Programme on rebooting tertiary education workshops and laboratories across the country with appropriate equipment that will make it possible for all students to acquire at least an occupational trade skill before their graduation.
While adding up, as a modification/substitute of entrepreneurship programming of tertiary education has a limited impact, making compulsory skill acquisition course needed an integral part of the tertiary education curriculum of the National University Commission (NUC), the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
Stating on a good note he feels good knowing and sharing that, NASENI solar panels and installations have not recorded failure anywhere across the country.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation, Sen Uche Ekwunife, expressed optimism on the benefits of training youth in Anambra State.
She believes strongly and states, “I strongly believe in the important and gains of the training today which cannot be overemphasized.” Adding to it she further states, “If we train paid attention to what they are taught will allow them to be self-reliant and to train others”
The NASENI mandate is for capital goods in the arenas of research on reverse engineering, industry, chemical, chemistry, and engineering.