The Sahara Power Technical and Innovation Academy (SPTIA), in partnership with Egbin Power Plc, has introduced a new initiative designed to equip young Nigerian engineers with essential technical and operational skills for sustainable electricity generation. The academy has enrolled 50 graduate engineers in a 10-month training programme that blends classroom instruction with hands-on experience at major generation facilities operated by the companies.
Programme Structure and Focus
Participants will undergo intensive training in plant operations, maintenance systems, and industry best practices. They will gain direct exposure to real-time power generation activities, preparing them for careers in Nigeria's electricity industry. The programme also emphasizes operational safety through mandatory safety modules, practical simulations, and scenario-based exercises to instill a strong safety culture in plant environments.
Career Pathways for Trainees
Upon completion, outstanding trainees are expected to be deployed across Sahara Power Group's operations, including Egbin Power, First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), and upstream businesses. Others will join the broader electricity labor market, strengthening technical manpower within the sector.
Strategic Investment in Energy Future
Kola Adesina, Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, described the academy as a strategic investment in Nigeria's energy future and a response to the growing manpower needs of the power industry. "We are committed to powering Nigeria not just through infrastructure, but through people. This academy reflects our belief that the future of sustainable energy delivery must be driven by skilled, young professionals who understand the local operating environment," he said.
Partnership with Key Industry Players
Adesina added that Egbin Power and FIPL were selected as key partners due to their technical expertise and operational performance. "Egbin Power and FIPL provide the ideal platforms for this initiative, given their track record of operational excellence and technical depth. By leveraging these assets, we are creating a pipeline of engineers who are not only technically sound but also industry-ready from the outset," he further stated.
He urged the trainees to embrace teamwork and develop innovative problem-solving skills that can contribute to national development and the advancement of Nigeria's electricity sector.
