Standardizing TVET Curriculum for Renewable Energy in Nigeria

Standardizing the TVET curriculum for renewable energy is a vital step toward sustainable energy access and economic development in Nigeria. By building a collaborative platform that unites educators, industry leaders, government, and international partners, this initiative will establish the foundation for a robust, future-ready workforce and a greener Nigeria.

The main objectives of the project are the following:

  • Contribute to the review and implementation of an enhanced solar energy curriculum within Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system
  • Strengthen TVET programs, improve workforce readiness, and align training with industry standards
  • Leverage networks and build collaborations between educational institutions, solar energy practitioners and policy makers.

Nigeria has significant renewable energy potential, with abundant solar, wind, hydro, and biomass resources. Solar energy is especially promising, with estimates from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) indicating a potential of up to 207 gigawatts (GW) in solar power generation. Wind energy, particularly viable in northern Nigeria, and hydroelectric potential from the country’s rivers, further highlight the opportunity for a sustainable energy transition.

Despite this potential, renewable energy contributes only a small share to Nigeria’s energy mix. A lack of infrastructure, investment, supportive policies, and workforce training poses major barriers. Among these, a critical issue is the absence of a standardized Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum in renewable energy. The current approach to training leads to inconsistent skill development and an inadequate workforce to drive sector growth.

A standardized TVET curriculum can address these issues, providing a foundation for high-quality, consistent training that aligns with industry needs and Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.

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The Challenges

Through our collaborative program, SHINE, several critical challenges were identified in limiting the effectiveness of TVET programs for renewable energy in Nigeria:

  • Lack of Standardization: Training programs vary widely in quality and content across institutions.
  • Quality Assurance Issues: Without a unified curriculum, ensuring that trainees meet industry standards is difficult.
  • Skilled Workforce Shortage: The sector suffers from a gap in technically trained professionals.
  • Fragmented Efforts: Institutions often work in isolation, leading to duplication and inefficiencies.
  • Alignment with SDGs: Current TVET offerings do not adequately align with Nigeria’s sustainability and development goals.

Workshops 

Given the aforementioned challenges, and in line with the Dutch government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote green growth, INCLUDE is working with key stakeholders and partners to enhance TVET training quality in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. This is being implemented through collaborative workshops aimed at:

  • Standardizing the renewable energy TVET curriculum.
  • Launching a national trainers’ cohort to support implementation.
  • Facilitating stakeholder dialogue for curriculum development and policy alignment.

This initiative supports both national energy goals and international development priorities, creating a more resilient, skilled workforce.

Workshop Objectives

  • Convene key stakeholders involved in TVET and renewable energy to initiate curriculum development.
  • Serve as the inaugural meeting of a renewable energy TVET trainers’ network.
  • Launch a trainers’ cohort tasked with implementing and disseminating the standardized curriculum.

Key Activities

  • Stakeholder Dialogues: Identifying curriculum components and addressing systemic gaps.
  • Curriculum Development Sessions: Collaborative drafting of a unified TVET curriculum for renewable energy.
  • Cohort Formation: Establishment of a national trainers’ cohort for curriculum rollout and quality assurance.

Expected Outcomes

  • A draft standardized curriculum framework for renewable energy TVET programs in Nigeria.
  • An industry-aligned occupational standards to define skill requirements for solar energy professionals
  • A dedicated trainers’ cohort to support rollout and ensure consistent implementation.
  • A technical commission to refine and finalize the curriculum draft.
  • A roadmap for dissemination and nationwide adoption.

Benefits

  • Quality Assurance: Ensure consistent and high-quality training across all TVET programs in renewable energy.
  • Skilled Workforce: Develop a skilled workforce equipped to meet the demands of the growing renewable energy sector.
  • Sustainable Development: Contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals by promoting renewable energy education and training.