REA signs pact with firm, to empowerment 140 female students

The Rural Electrification Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ceesolar, a renewable energy firm to empower about 140 female students.

The Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) is funded by the World Bank.

A statement by the agency on Tuesday said the contract was sealed for the implementation of the female Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM)Internship Program, a vital component of the Energizing Education Programme, EEP II.

The Managing Director of REA Engr. Ahmad Salihijo said during the contract signing in Abuja, that renewable energy is a rapidly growing sector resulting in an increased demand for skilled professionals.

He appreciated the University of Abuja and beneficiary institutions for their commitment to the success of the programme and called on the female beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity.

“I would also like to thank the University of Abuja and all other beneficiary institutions for their commitment to the success of the entire Programme. I encourage all the female STEM students who have been selected for this programme to make the most of this opportunity. This is a chance for you to gain some of the important skills and experience you need to build a successful career in the power sector,” he said.

The Head of the Project Management Unit of the NEP, Mr. Abba Aliyu, added that the project is in the process of making history by building an ecosystem that will help to build and strengthen infrastructure, and system as well as create a flow of capacity and talents.

The Internship Programme will provide theoretical and hands-on practical experience to twenty (20) selected female students from each of the seven beneficiary institutions which are, the University of Abuja, University of Calabar, University of Maiduguri, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria Defense Academy, Federal University, Gashua, in stages of the EEP projects, as well as provide continued skills and capacity building after the STEM Internship Programme.

The Managing Director of Ceesolar, Engr. Chibuike Ekeh, while appreciating REA, stated that his agency is delighted to be part of an impactful and sustainable project.