Solar is an intrinsic part of the target energy mix for Nigeria. There are plans to generate 5000MW from this source by 2030. Climate change, energy security and an unmet energy demand are amongst the prominent factors propelling this charge. Its allure stems from utilisation of the ubiquitous sunlight, to the declining cost of solar equipment. 

Nonetheless, tangible growth can only be achieved when increment in energy generation is sustainable, not mere quick fixes. Certain issues ought to be addressed if the energy generation targets are to be met and sustained. One of such is quality management (QM). Public confidence and growth are hampered by the presence of poor quality equipment. This is compounded by the difficulty in visually detecting equipment of superior quality. Defective equipment will always produce a poor output even when installed by the most experienced personnel. Expertise in system design, installation and maintenance are also worthy considerations in this bracket. Maintenance is an integral part of a systems functionality. The longevity of a solar system is unlikely to be attained without the right maintenance. 

Current practices seem rather incapable of addressing the quality concerns expressed. Interactions with leading industry practitioners revealed that only a few are aware of any efforts being made to curb these concerns; some of whom have been operating in the industry for close to a decade. This queries the level of involvement of industry stakeholders in such efforts. Interestingly, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has some provisions for the solar industry. The reason for its seeming unpopularity may not be farfetched. The SON has an official mandate of “Quality control of products, weights and measures”. It has several industries to cater for, therefore, it is only fair to expect that some will be affected by lethargy. 

There is a need to have robust QM schemes to regulate the solar industry in Nigeria. One would suggest that such provisions be domiciled in an energy commission, as opposed to a general standards body. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme and Golden Sun Certification are examples of similar efforts made to enforce quality in other climes. The aggregation of the 12 SON provisions which relate to solar into a unitary scheme would also be helpful. Equipment testing at the point of manufacture should be more effective than testing after products have been distributed or shipped. Legal customer rights protection against substandard product quality is necessary.

Certification to identify those qualified for installation and maintenance is apt. Summarily, a scheme that caters for equipment quality and personnel quality (installation and maintenance) would be useful to the Nigerian solar industry. It should be accessible, affordable, uniform and inclusive. It could be anchored by an energy commission, in conjunction with reputable stakeholders from the private sector. Database building, certification, periodic monitoring, mandatory for major project awards and penalty for defaulters are all tools that could be utilised to ensure sustainability of the scheme. 

There is no doubt that substantial technical expertise exists in Nigeria. The task is really in identifying them. Quite importantly, solar EPC companies have a duty to ensure that industry best practices are observed. All must realise that system maintenance is crucial and factoring this into the early stage of project deliberations is key.

Firstly, this post is addressed to my “mates” who are currently on NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) and young folks out there. If there’s anything very important to a young man or lady who is out of school (higher institution) or who is qualified for the world of work, it is a good job and a stable income.

Now, I know the country is very hard and access to good jobs is also very hard but I have this to say from my observation so far. 

1. Please make up your life about your career: Honestly speaking, I am not trying to sound like one god up there. There are still many juvenile adults out there who really get on my nerves when we have discussions about career and life. The responses I get most times are. “whatever will be will be”.

I am here to say “whatever will not be willing not be”. Nigeria is a hell of a country, and depression and frustration is so real. See, too many words are coming to mind but I can only type a few.

I often hear excuses like “there are no opportunities here” Are you really sure about that claim. Don’t you use an Android phone. Remember, I said I’m no god but I don’t believe in giving excuses for some present setbacks. Do something to yourself. Why not spend nights learning something more relevant.

Well, only those who really cherish this will see the value.

2. Take a chill pill: There’s something called pressure and trust me, I have faced worse last year. While mine doesn’t seem to be as regards seeking for jobs and all directly, it was regarding seeking for funds to keep my startup running. However, there’s going to be much pressure based on the fear of “after service, what next”.

Now, I’m not just assuming this, I’m raising this point because at this point I’ve seen so many folks rush into so many things at the same time. I want to learn this, I want to learn that, and start this business and start that business, all at the same time. Please, you don’t need so many things at the same time. Start from just a simple place.

Most preferably, start by getting a job, start by working! If you have not wired up yourself for entrepreneurship, then don’t venture into it immediately after your service. 

3. Learn a digital skill: Now, this is exactly why I wrote this post. A digital skill could be common Microsoft Excel; it is a skill. See, stop procrastinating about this skill thing, it’s not difficult; it’s something you can do while you’re currently on service. Now, I know nobody is telling you but when you begin to run from one seminar to the other, you’d realize that you really need it. It will be demanded of you by organizations.

When the word “skill” is mentioned, it’s not necessarily coding; it may not be marketing. Please go and ask friends about which skills will be best for you to learn. I have learnt business development, content marketing, business strategy, marketing strategy over the course of a year.

4. Maximize LinkedIn or job platforms: Well, as you can see, I don’t currently work as a full time employee. I work based on services as I run my startup, so it might sound like I’m not the best person to give you this piece of advice.

Well, just switch over to LinkedIn, spend time on it daily. You can follow me because I’m working on something huge. However, just pay attention to conversations around what HRs are saying. Get to know the reality, the pros and cons of jobs search. You might get job offers.

I moved to LinkedIn a month again and I’ve gotten two job offers which to me wasn’t appealing, it might to some folks though but the point is that I got.

If Twitter is where you stand higher chances of getting a job, then move; if it’s Instagram, go there. Know where you belong. You should be in the face of these companies.

If you want me to teach you how, it’s not free as well but I’m not even here to sell myself at all. My major concern is that we should all have jobs, good ones and break through in this hard economy.

Finally, I’ll end with this; Pray! As much as you grind, pray!! I believe in supernatural favour, I believe in miracles, I believe God blesses and sends help. I pray for opportunities myself seeing I haven’t arrived yet, I need lots of connections and ingredients in my company, so I pray because I have and I’m still working hard on it.