Mustafa Olawuyi Foundation Launches Solar Training Programme in Osun

T The Mustafa Olawuyi Foundation (MOF) has launched an eight-week solar installation training programme in Ikirun, Osun State, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills in renewable energy and promoting self-reliance.

The initiative, organised in collaboration with Basic Hi-Tech, will provide participants with hands-on training in solar installation, system design, maintenance, troubleshooting, safety, and entrepreneurship as part of efforts to address youth unemployment and expand access to clean energy solutions.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, the Founder of the Foundation, Engr. Mustafa Adeleke Olawuyi, stressed the importance of building local technical capacity in Nigeria’s growing energy sector.

“We must not continue to be mere consumers of modern technology. Our young people must be trained to understand it, install it, maintain it, and, in the long run, contribute to its local production and improvement,” he said.

Olawuyi urged participants to approach the training with seriousness, describing it as a pathway to long-term economic stability and community impact.

“This programme is not just about learning how to fix solar panels. It is about preparing you for a future of dignity, productivity, and service,” he added.

He also underscored the importance of integrity in business, noting that honesty remains key to sustainable success.

“Truthfulness in business transactions is not negotiable… Integrity is not only a moral value; it is the foundation of lasting success,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr. Oladimeji Enoch of Osun State University highlighted the critical role of energy in national development, describing solar power as a viable solution to Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

“Energy is the driver of development… Without reliable electricity, businesses struggle, schools are limited, and healthcare delivery becomes more difficult,” he said.

Enoch added that Nigeria’s abundant sunlight positions the country for renewable energy growth if adequate technical expertise is developed.

“Solar energy is not just an alternative; for Nigeria, it is increasingly a necessity,” he noted.

On financial sustainability, Alhaji Lateef Arowolo emphasised the need for financial literacy among young entrepreneurs, warning that poor money management often undermines business success.

“A good skill can open the door, but financial literacy helps you remain inside the room,” he said.

He also advocated for ethical financing systems, including interest-free loans, to support small businesses.

In his remarks, Chairman of MOF, Engr. Abdul Akeem Olawuyi, described the programme as a strategic intervention for youth empowerment and economic development.

“We are not just training participants to pass time; we are preparing them to become useful, productive, and employable,” he said.

He added that the Foundation would provide mentorship and practical support to help participants apply their skills beyond the classroom.

Technical facilitator Engr. Abdulazeez Awotunde stressed the importance of safety in solar installation, warning against negligence when handling electrical systems.

“In solar installation, safety comes first before speed… A good technician is not the one who works fastest, but the one who works correctly and safely,” he said.

The Foundation also confirmed that Engr. Bashir Olawuyi of Basic Hi-Tech will lead the training, combining classroom instruction with hands-on practical sessions.

MOF noted that the programme aligns with its broader mission of promoting education, sustainability, and youth development, adding that it aims to produce skilled, disciplined, and ethical professionals capable of contributing to Nigeria’s clean energy transition.