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Renewable Energy: Stakeholders Call for Urgent Reform of Technical Education Curricula

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Renewable Energy: Stakeholders Call for Urgent Reform of Technical Education Curricula

By: Michael Mike

There has been a call for the Nigeria’s renewable energy sector tò be positioned as a key driver of economic growth and job creation, with stakeholders emphasizing the urgent need to reform technical education curricula to equip young people and women with green skills.

At a major milestone event in Abuja, the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the Dutch Consulate General, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), unveiled progress in its curriculum reform process designed to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in renewable energy, with a particular focus on solar power.

Speaking at the event, a representative of the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, Victoria Manya cautioned that Nigeria’s energy transition must avoid replicating the inequalities associated with the fossil fuel sector.

“Energy transition, instead of breaking chains, was at risk of becoming fossil’s handmaiden because it was replicating the injustices that have historically been associated with the fossil sector,” she said.

Manya highlighted the vast potential of renewable energy to generate employment, particularly for women and young people, while also helping the country tackle its persistent energy deficit and climate change challenges. She stressed the importance of inclusive policies that prioritize marginalized groups in the green economy.

According to her, INCLUDE, working with the House Committee on Renewable Energy, the NBTE, GIZ, and more than 100 technical stakeholders, redesigned the solar photovoltaic (PV) curriculum at the ND, HND, and National Occupational Standards (levels 4 and 5). She noted that the process, led by NBTE’s Head of Curriculum Development, Dr. Hatim Koko, benefitted from strong technical support from the Dutch Consulate and other partners.

In his keynote address, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Adam Victor Ogene, underscored the sector’s importance not only in tackling climate change but also in unlocking economic opportunities.

“Our renewable energy sector is more than just a response to climate change; it is a driver of economic growth, job development, and national pride.

“I’m personally impressed by the impactful work of the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform in Nigeria. Their contributions to policy formulation and sustainable development deserve recognition and applause.”

He further noted that the reviewed renewable energy curriculum will equip Nigerian youths with the skills to harness the nation’s abundant solar, wind, hydro, and biomass resources.

“This will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, promote energy security, and attract investment, creating thousands of jobs in the process,” he added.

Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan targets 30 percent renewable energy penetration by 2030. Meeting this ambition will require more than 340,000 green jobs by 2030, rising to 840,000 by 2060. Globally, the renewable energy sector generated over 13 million jobs in 2023, and Africa’s share is projected to triple by 2030.

However, industry leaders warn that skills gaps persist, with nearly half of technical roles in Nigeria’s renewable sector currently unfilled due to a lack of industry-aligned training. The new curriculum reform seeks to bridge that gap and ensure that Nigerian workers are positioned to benefit from the global energy transition.

Renewable Energy: Stakeholders Call for Urgent Reform of Technical Education Curricula

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Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau

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Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Gallant troops of the Nigerian Army’s 33 Artillery Brigade have launched a major offensive against terrorist and bandit hideouts in Dajin Madam Forest, straddling Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State, destroying several camps and neutralising two armed criminals during successive encounters.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2026, with troops advancing into the forest in a coordinated offensive against criminal elements operating within the area.

During the operation, the troops successfully cleared several terrorist camps across five identified locations within the forest, denying the criminals access to their established hideouts and support infrastructure.

The troops subsequently destroyed and burnt the terrorists’ life-support structures, including facilities believed to have sustained their presence and operations in the forest.

The offensive gathered momentum at about 3:41 p.m. when troops made contact with the armed bandits at another location within the forest.

The soldiers engaged the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.

Evidence of the effectiveness of the engagement was indicated by bloodstains observed along the bandits’ withdrawal routes, suggesting that some of the fleeing criminals might have sustained gunshot injuries.

Undeterred, the troops continued exploiting the general area, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of ammunition, communication equipment, mobility assets and other logistics.

Items recovered included 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT ammunition links, two motorcycles, two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), two communication radios and four mobile phones.

The troops also recovered three woodland and desert camouflage uniforms, two Keystone camouflage uniforms and other sundry items believed to be associated with the activities of the criminal group.

In a further demonstration of sustained combat pressure, the troops made another contact with the fleeing bandits at about 6:30 p.m. during a pursuit operation.

The soldiers engaged the criminals, neutralising two bandits close to Kukawa village in Kanam Local Government Area.
Two additional motorcycles were also recovered during the encounter.

Following the successful engagements, the troops moved to a harbour position at Kukawa, where they continued to maintain their operational presence in the area.

The operation represents a significant offensive against armed criminal networks using the Dajin Madam Forest corridor as a hideout, with the destruction of their camps, recovery of ammunition and logistics, and the neutralisation of two bandits further disrupting their operational capabilities.

The sustained advance by the troops also illustrated the Nigerian Army’s determination to deny terrorists and bandits safe havens in the forests linking Kanam and Wase, while maintaining pressure on fleeing elements.

Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau

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ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo

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ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo

By: Zagazola Makama

An inspection team from the ECOWAS Force Headquarters and Army Headquarters has assessed the operational readiness of Nigeria’s ECOWAS standby force at Naquora Barracks in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the team, led by Brig.-Gen. Sheikh Sulaiman Massaquoi, visited the barracks on Nov. 7, 2026, to evaluate the troops’ preparedness for possible deployment.

The team received briefings on troop readiness, training and administrative matters, and witnessed demonstrations on roadblock operations and crowd dispersal.

Massaquoi commended the troops for their performance and urged them to sustain high standards of professionalism, discipline and physical fitness.

The inspection visit ended without any incident.

ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.

The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.

The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.

Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

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