By Elizabeth ADENUGA
All On, a Shell-funded off-grid energy impact investment company, will be funding scholarships for up to 120 professionals affiliated to the Niger Delta. The scholarship is designed to subsidize the cost of off-grid energy training programs provided by Rubitec Academy, the training arm of RUBITEC Solar; a leading solar energy company in Nigeria.
The funding for the scholarships will contribute to the strategic capacity development in the solar energy sector for people from the ‘greater’ Niger Delta; South-South including Imo, Abia, and Ondo as well as people working in the off-grid energy sector in the Niger Delta region.
Established in 2004, Rubitec Solar has a mission to bridge the energy gap in Nigeria through the provision and deployment of renewable energy solutions to communities, businesses, and public institutions.
Rubitec commissioned her first mini-grid in Gbamugbamu community in Ogun State Nigeria in February 2018 and will be using this expertise to train successful candidates in solar PV installation, mini-grid design, installation and operation amongst others.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement, the CEO of Rubitec Solar, Mr. Bolade Soremekun stated that “We are proud to be part ofthe Nigerian energy revolution through renewable energy, and it is an
honour to be selected by ALL ON as partners on this initiative. This scholarship will help bridge the identified gap of available skilled personnel due to increasing demand for renewable energy products and services.”
Dr. Wiebe Boer, CEO, All On in his remarks said: “The All On Niger Delta Off Grid Energy Scholarship Program supports All On’s mandate to build an enabling environment in which the off-grid energy sector can thrive, in this case through providing badly needed human capacity.
The program will ensure that an adequate skilled pool of men and women affiliated to the Niger Delta are developed to support the scaling of the sector.”
The scholarship which funds up to 50 per cent of the cost of distributed solar training programs provided by the Rubitec Academy is open to indigenes of the Niger Delta region and persons working within the region. The training will enable them to participate in the emerging off-grid/ clean energy sector while improving their chances for economic independence.
