The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has trained and empowered 50 women in Kano State with solar energy installation, maintenance and entrepreneurship skills under its She-Powers Energy Initiative aimed at promoting women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing renewable energy sector.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the programme in Kano on Thursday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the initiative was designed to equip women with practical skills that would enable them to create businesses, generate income and contribute to community development.

Halilu said the agency launched the programme to produce a new generation of female entrepreneurs and renewable energy champions capable of driving local solutions to energy challenges.

“When many people think about energy, they think about infrastructure. At NASENI, we think about people. Behind every solar panel is a household, and behind every technology is an opportunity to improve lives,” he said.

He noted that the increasing demand for renewable energy across Nigeria presents opportunities for job creation, business development and economic empowerment, stressing that Nigerians must be active participants in the energy transition rather than mere consumers of technology.

According to him, the beneficiaries received hands-on training in solar energy systems, troubleshooting, maintenance and enterprise development, skills he described as critical to achieving self-reliance and long-term economic growth.

The NASENI boss urged the graduates to utilise the knowledge acquired to establish businesses, support their communities and serve as role models for other women and girls interested in technology and innovation.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to programmes that promote industrialisation, skills acquisition and economic empowerment.

Also speaking, Head of Training and Lead Facilitator of the programme, Munir Isah Ibrahim, described the graduation as the beginning of a new chapter for the participants.

He commended NASENI for championing the initiative and providing women with technical skills needed to participate in the renewable energy value chain.

“Today is not simply the conclusion of a training programme. It is the beginning of something far more significant. These women are transitioning from trainees to technicians and professionals ready to serve their communities,” he said.

Ibrahim said many of the participants had little or no prior technical knowledge before the training but successfully acquired practical competencies in solar technology within three days.

He also acknowledged the support of community leaders and women’s groups in Kumbotso and Tarauni Local Government Areas, saying their involvement contributed significantly to the success of the programme.

The graduates were presented with certificates and NASENI-branded toolkits to support their entry into the renewable energy sector.