In a push towards youth empowerment and clean energy education, a firm, itel Solar Energy, in partnership with the University of Ibadan (UI), has commissioned its first Solar Energy Training Centre, positioning itself at the cross between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development.

The commissioning, held on May 29, 2025, at the UI campus, marks a major milestone in the firm’s education-driven CSR strategy, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills for the green economy.

The training centre, according to the firm, will offer weekly sessions blending classroom-based instruction with hands-on technical experience in solar installation and energy systems, saying that the initiative not only seeks to raise awareness and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy among youths, but also to create direct employment pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and marketing sectors.

The firm said that outstanding participants would be awarded scholarships and offered guaranteed job placements in the company.

Vice Chancellor of UI, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who spoke at the event, lauded the initiative, saying: “The opportunities and benefits extended to our students, from hands-on training to scholarships and internship opportunities, are deeply commendable. We believe this marks the beginning of a meaningful and enduring partnership, one that will yield mutual value for years to come.”

In her remarks, PR Manager at itel Solar Energy, Olaotan Fawehinmi, emphasized the company’s long-term vision for sustainability.