The Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE) and the Edo State Ministry of Science and Technology have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing technical teachers’ and students’ proficiency in renewable energy technology.
The initiative, which aims to promote indigenous technology and local content, highlights the State Government’s commitment to encouraging innovation, sustainability, and economic self-reliance among technical teachers and students in Edo State, according to Ukpebor Jonathan JP, the Ministry of Science and Technology’s acting Permanent Secretary.
While giving a summary of the project, Ukpebor emphasized that the increasing demand for clean and dependable power supplies around the world has made solar gadgets extremely desirable, opening up a market that is advantageous for both producers and innovators.
In light of the possible ban on solar products, he emphasized the importance of building up domestic manufacturing capacity for solar products, stating that it is essential for the country’s economic viability.
He clarified that developing young people’s skills in the assembly and manufacturing of renewable energy technology would boost the economy and give them the tools they need to become independent and successful business owners.
Engr. Esohe Asemota-Osagie, Head of the Renewable and Conventional Energy Department, described the initiative, which is to promote indigenous technology, increase technical teachers’ capacity for sustainability, and improve technical students’ employability and entrepreneurship. She revealed that before the initiative is expanded to other institutions, it will be piloted at the Benin Technical College.
According to Asemota-Osagie, the project will improve technical education in the state and encourage the expansion of regional industry by turning technical institutions into hubs for mini-production.
Mrs. Stella Ogbeide, the secretary of the Board (BTVE), conveyed gratitude for the initiative and the Ministry’s and BTVE’s joint efforts. She emphasized the Board’s responsibilities in guaranteeing the project’s success and reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to providing technical educators and students with cutting-edge technology.
Potential funding sources and the significance of finding technical partners who share the state government’s objective were also discussed. In order to foster creativity among technical students, the Permanent Secretary promised his ministry’s assistance for the BTVE’s next TVET-ATHON series.
The conference ended with both sides resolving to continue developing and implementing the project, which has the potential to revolutionize the State’s local manufacturing and technical education landscapes.
