30/06/2026
*NEDDI, THRIVEWAVE TECHNOLOGY FLAG-OFF PHASE 2 SOLAR TRAINING, CELEBRATE SUCCESS OF MAIDEN COHORT*
The National Engineering Design Development Institute (NEDDI), Nnewi, a division of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has flagged off the second phase of its solar training collaboration with Thrivewave Technology Limited, reaffirming the Institute's commitment to building local capacity in renewable energy technology.
The event, which was held at the NEDDI Research and Development complex, brought together the Institute's management team, facilitators, staff of Thrivewave Technology, and a new set of trainees eager to begin their journey into the solar energy sub-sector. The occasion equally served as a moment of reflection and celebration, as stakeholders looked back on the successes of the maiden training cohort, which commenced in September 2025 and concluded a month earlier.
Speaking at the event, the Overseeing Officer of NEDDI, Mrs Regina Egwuonwu, who was represented by the Acting Head of the Department of Technology Business Development, Mr Chidozie Okonkwo, expressed profound gratitude to God for the successful completion of the first training cycle and the seamless take-off of the new phase. According to her, the achievement was a clear demonstration of the strength and viability of the partnership between NEDDI and Thrivewave Technology, describing it as an arrangement that continues to bear good fruit for both institutions and, more importantly, for the trainees who pass through the programme.
Mrs Egwuonwu commended the NEDDI management team, the facilitators, and the Thrivewave team for their dedication and personal sacrifices, which she noted were instrumental to the success recorded in the maiden edition. She, however, charged them not to rest on their oars, urging them to do even more as the Institute moves into the second phase of the collaboration. She assured the newly enrolled trainees of a robust and impactful learning experience, promising that the quality of knowledge and skills they would acquire would position them as competent and employable solar technicians within the renewable energy industry.
In his remarks, the Dean of Student Affairs Thrivewave Solar Academy, Mr Diamond Aniesinmfon in his opening address for the second half of the 2026 academic session, welcomed trainees back with renewed energy, noting that the previous training period recorded significant progress in technical instruction, practical exercises, teamwork, and professionalism among trainees. He congratulated the students, instructors, and staff for their collective contributions to that success.
The Dean used the opportunity to reassure trainees that the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs remains open to addressing welfare concerns, complaints, and suggestions, stressing that every trainee deserves a safe and conducive learning environment. He further admonished trainees to imbibe discipline, integrity, and professionalism throughout their stay at the Academy, while strongly warning against fighting, harassment, or any form of disruptive conduct capable of threatening the peace and reputation of the institution. He also called for careful and responsible use of training tools, equipment, and facilities, noting that proper handling would guarantee their availability for both current and future trainees.
Mr Diamond, took trainees through a brief but comprehensive orientation on solar technology. He explained that solar technology involves the conversion of energy from the sun into usable electricity and heat, describing it as one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources globally due to its clean and sustainable nature.
Mr Aniesinmfon broke down the components of a typical solar power system, including solar panels, charge controllers, batteries, inverters, cables, and protective devices, explaining the function of each in the overall system. He informed the trainees that their training, which runs for between 12 and 20 hours weekly, broken into three-hour daily sessions, would cover the principles of solar energy, system design, installation techniques, troubleshooting, maintenance, and safety practices. He emphasised that strict adherence to safety procedures and the use of personal protective equipment remain non-negotiable in handling electrical systems, just as he highlighted the vast opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship that abound in the renewable energy sector for trainees who take their training seriously.
The flag-off of the second phase further underscores NEDDI's continued resolve, as a NASENI division, to drive technology-based skills acquisition and human capital development in Nnewi and its environs, in line with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda and the broader national push for sustainable, locally-driven engineering solutions.
γ
