Innovate UK partners CEID Hub, Celloop, Decibel Labs, Think Clock To Train Over 1,000 Nigerians On Local Production Of Battery Packs
By Seth Omotade
Over one thousand youths and women across Nigeria have been trained on the local manufacturing of batteries, with a view to solving Nigeria’s growing energy generation challenges
The one year free training project was organized by a consortium, Climate Emerge Innovation Development Hub, in partnership with Celloop, Decibel Labs and Think Clock
The initiative, sponsored by Innovate UK under the Zero Emission Generator project, aims to build local expertise in clean energy technology, create employment opportunities for youth and women, and encourage battery innovation and circular economy practices.
Speaking at the grand finale in Ibadan, the founder CEID Hub, Mr Sope Afolayan said the training was anchored on raising awareness on battery recycling, develop a skilled workforce ready to pursue careers in the renewable energy sector, as well as equipping participants with technical and practical skills in lithium-ion battery pack design, assembly, development, and recycling.
Mr Afolayan explained that each successful participant has received an internationally recognised certificate of participation and a Battery Pack Design Starter Kit comprising eight used lithium-ion batteries, battery racks, a soldering iron, lead wire, and a multimeter.
“Transport reimbursements were also provided.
“The programme recorded significant traction, drawing participants from across Nigeria: Over 1000 online course enrolments, 350 physical training participants, 350 starter kits distributed and 7 training cohorts.
“Seven cohorts of the programme were delivered across three states in South West Nigeria: Oyo State, Lagos State, and Osun State. Three higher educational institutions served as official training partners: University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State, Kola Daisi University, Oyo State.
Also speaking, the Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder, Celloop Limited, Mr Tolulope Olukokun while appreciating Innovate UK and other development partners emphasized the need for Nigeria to start local production of batteries to complement its power generation.
While urging governments at all levels to fund such initiatives, Mr Olukokun said the consortium is the first training platform for battery pack manufacturing in Nigeria
Mr Olukokun also called on the federal and Oyo State governments to implement policies that support the renewable energy sector, fund collaborative projects, and enable Nigeria to transition from being primarily an importer to becoming a producer and exporter of renewable energy solutions.
“As Nigeria continues to face energy challenges, programs like this are seen as vital steps toward building a resilient and locally driven renewable energy ecosystem. By focusing on youth and women, the initiative also promotes inclusivity and ensures that emerging opportunities in the green economy are accessible to a wider segment of the population.
He said the participants will also have opportunities for advance training abroad.
In his address, Oyo state commissioner for environment and natural resources, Mr Ademola Aderinto, represented by the Director Pollution and quality control, Dr. Funmilayo Adesina highlighted the critical role of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria’s sustainable development.
Mr Aderinto encouraged youths to develop a strong interest in renewable energy and actively engage in programs and initiatives that foster innovation, skill development, and economic growth.
“While we embrace battery technologies as part of the clean energy transition, we must also address the environmental impacts associated with battery production, use, and disposal. This is where the concept of a circular economy, which CEID Hub actively promotes, becomes essential. Achieving our climate and environmental goals cannot be done in isolation; it requires strong partnerships between government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and development partners. Initiatives like this provide an important platform for such collaboration and should be encouraged and scaled up.”
Some of the participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity describing it as a platform to train more people on local manufacturing of batteries
