NAPTIN pursues new strategic plan to aid power sector reforms

The National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) as commenced the pursuance of a new strategic plan to transform the institute into a world-class training centre.

The Director General, NAPTIN, Reuben Okeke, an engineer, who disclosed this during the fourth graduation ceremony of 156 young engineers in Lagos said the institution has established fresh collaborations with local and international agencies that will open vista for the new agenda.

According to him, “NAPTIN is currently working with CPCS, (a leading international consulting outfit) through funding support of the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) to evolve a new strategic plan which not only encompasses the training needs of the new private entrants, but also their participation in the delivery process.

“In the same vein, the German Government under the Nigerian-German Energy Partnership has through its GIZ, been assisting NAPTIN in undertaking institutional/market assessment and business scenario development. With technical assistance received under this initiative, NAPTIN is currently undertaking the development of curriculum and training of trainers in renewable energy and energy efficiency,” he stated.

Okeke assured that through the efforts of these partners, the institute is repositioning to adapt training products and processes to the emerging new energy markets.

He said the graduation involves total of 156 engineers comprising of 79 distribution engineers, 73 generation and four in the transmission cadre. Out of this number, 100 have been sponsored by the Sahara Power Group; 45 by Taraba State Government and three by Yobe State Government, while eight are self-sponsored.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Godknows Igali, who noted that electricity is very core to the economic development of the country, urged the graduands to exhibit the skills derived from the training scheme to impact positively in the growth of the power sector.

He appreciated the fact that NAPTIN is working with the private investors to enhance capacity building in the country, adding that the growing power sector market presents more opportunities for the young engineers to thrive in their carrers.