Manpower Development
One of the founding elements of the Centre’s mandate is to serve as a centre for the development of manpower and training in solar and other renewable energy technologies. The Centre builds the human and institutional capacity — the science, engineering and technical skills relevant to the design, development, fabrication, installation and maintenance of renewable energy technologies — needed to meet Nigeria’s energy security challenges.
Youth Training Programmes
SERC conducts training for young men and women in solar PV system installation and in the construction of solar compact generators. Trainees work hands-on with modules, charge controllers, batteries and enclosures, assembling complete working units.
The Centre also offers hands-on training to governmental and non-governmental organisations, and provides advisory and research facilities as a resource centre.
Training Programmes on Record
| Programme | Participants | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Design, sizing and installation of solar PV systems | 400 unemployed graduates | National Directorate of Employment, Abuja (jointly organised with SERC) |
| Construction and installation of 300 W / 500 W wind turbines | 140 unemployed graduates from Benue, Gombe, Katsina and Sokoto States | National Directorate of Employment |
| Solar street light and solar water pumping systems | Community participants | 2009 Constituency Project |
| Solar PV installation and solar compact generator construction | Young men and women | Sokoto Energy Research Centre |
| Staff training, School of the Built Environment | 3 members of SERC staff | University of Nottingham linkage, via the Energy Commission of Nigeria |
Postgraduate Programmes
Since November 2008, the Sokoto Energy Research Centre — in conjunction with the Department of Chemistry — has run postgraduate programmes in renewable energy studies leading to M.Sc, M.Phil and Ph.D degrees. The Centre has completed the coursework for the M.Sc and M.Phil programmes, and students have been allocated supervisors and supervisory advisory committees.
The introduction of postgraduate studies is aimed at developing a critical mass of scientists and engineers for research, development and manufacturing capability in renewable energy technologies, for both secondary and tertiary institutions.
Enquiries
For enquiries about training programmes, postgraduate study or hands-on courses at the Centre, please use the contact form on the home page.