On Friday, 8th August 2025, the Asteven Energy Institute (AEI) ushered in a defining moment in Nigeria’s green energy journey by staging its maiden matriculation ceremony. Seventeen bright-eyed pioneers adorned in academic gowns marked the commencement of the 2024/2025 academic session—not just any session, but one that introduces Nigeria’s first-ever National Diploma in Solar Technology and Management. This historic occasion took place at the Institute’s Asese campus in Ogun State—a ceremony imbued with promise, purpose, and a clear-eyed commitment to shaping Nigeria’s clean energy future.
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A Vision Transformed into Reality
For Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, President and Founder of Asteven Group, this moment was the fruition of a long-cherished dream. He reflected fondly on Nigeria’s historical reliance on external expertise when it came to renewable energy projects.
“Nigeria has received billions in funding—such as US$550 million and US$750 million—for energy access initiatives. Yet when the question arises, ‘who utilised those funds?’—there was a glaring absence of a skilled, certified local workforce,” Dr. Akpoyibo poignantly observed.
He stated unequivocally that AEI is determined to ensure that future projects will be executed by Nigerians trained and accredited in solar technology—a foundational leap toward self-reliance in the renewable energy industry.
Asteven Energy Institute Is The First of Its Kind with National Diploma Accredited by NBTE
This National Diploma programme is no ordinary academic offering. AEI proudly declared it the first in Nigeria to receive formal approval from both the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Ministry of Education, affirming stringent academic and industry standards.
Dr. Akpoyibo noted the two-and-a-half-year development process behind the curriculum—a process costing a substantial ₦35 million. Its quality, he proudly shared, has even attracted international recognition; the curriculum has been adopted in India, underscoring its robust global applicability.
“This journey is about more than conferring certificates,” Dr. Akpoyibo emphasised. “It’s about setting high standards, creating a legacy, and providing communities with reliable, clean energy.”
He also paid tribute to parents, guardians, and guests—and notably acknowledged former Senate President Bukola Saraki for his role in formally inaugurating the Institute.
From Workshops to Workforce: AEI’s Bold Step Forward
Professor Magnus Onuoha, Rector of Asteven Energy Institute, described the matriculation as a milestone that elevates AEI beyond its previous short-term training model.
“With this National Diploma programme, we are now producing graduates for the renewable energy workforce,” he affirmed. “Our vision is clear—to raise a generation of green professionals who are globally competitive.”
Since its establishment in 2018, AEI has imparted solar-technology skills to over 3,000 individuals through certificate courses across Lagos, Abuja, and Warri. The National Diploma, however, represents a transformative pivot, geared toward deeper, longer-term capacity building and clean energy self-sufficiency.
A Call to the Pioneers: Embrace the Challenge
As applause filled the hall and gowns were adjusted, Dr. Akpoyibo and Prof. Onuoha addressed their 17 inaugural matriculants—young men and women now entrusted with Nigeria’s clean-energy torch.
They were urged to approach their studies with focus, discipline, and resilience. In the words of their mentors, “The time will come when you won’t be looking for jobs – the jobs will look for you.” More than a matriculation, this day marked the birth of Nigeria’s solar-powered future.
Why This Matters: A Long-Term View
- Building Certified Local Capacity
Nigeria has historically deployed funds into energy access—billions in fact—but often lacked a domestic workforce equipped to execute solar projects. AEI’s diploma seeks to reverse that trend, creating certified professionals who will drive sustainable, local implementation. - Academic Rigor Meets Industry Relevance
With NBTE and Education Ministry approvals, AEI’s programme marries practical vocational skills with formal academic recognition—bridging the gap between workshop training and academic legitimacy. - A Scalable, Replicable Model
The ₦35 million curriculum, now adopted in India, proves AEI’s approach is scalable and region-agnostic, paving the way for global replication and cross-border partnerships. - National and Global Implications
Producing well-trained solar technologists will bolster Nigeria’s progress toward its 2050 net-zero targets and enhance its role in the global clean energy transition. - Community and Legacy
Going beyond technical education, AEI’s initiative is about heritage—honouring futurists and educators, inspiring communities and charting long-lasting change.
What Lies Ahead for Asteven Energy Institute?
- Follow-up Reporting: We will monitor the diploma’s impact in six months, particularly how the pioneering cohort fares in internships, industry collaborations, or entrepreneurial ventures.
- Scaling Up: Whether AEI will expand programme access to more students, and how they plan to maintain quality amid scaling.
- Policy Linkages: How federal and state governments, including Ogun State—which has partnered with AEI in training capacity—will support systemic adoption.
Conclusion
On 8th August 2025, at Asteven Energy Institute’s Asese campus, Nigeria witnessed more than a ceremony—it witnessed history in the making. Seventeen aspiring professionals stepped onto a path that promises green economies, empowered communities, and a cleaner tomorrow.
In forging this path—from gowns to grids—AEI isn’t just crafting graduates; they are shaping torchbearers of Nigeria’s solar revolution.
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