ECOWAS, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), presented the results of the EU-ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Scholarship Programme at an evaluation event held on September 25, 2024, at the British Council Headquarters in Dakar. The programme seeks to enhance access to quality training in sustainable energy for university graduates and young professionals from ECOWAS Member States.
The initiative offers fully funded master's degree scholarships in sustainable energy to eligible candidates from nine specialized institutions across West Africa, including Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Ghana, and Cape Verde. This effort aims to meet the increasing demand for specialists in the field and promote good governance within the energy sector.
Ms. Quemener Morgane, Country Director of the British Council Senegal, highlighted that "in Senegal, the programme supports scholarship holders at two partner universities: the Ecole Polytechnique de Thiès and the Université Cheikh Anta Diop." She noted that since its launch in November 2022, the programme has supported 15 students from various countries who have completed their studies at institutions like Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Côte d’Ivoire and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana.
Mr. Bayaornibe DABIRE, Director of Energy and Mines at the ECOWAS Commission, participated virtually from Lagos. He thanked the EU and British Council for their support and emphasized that "the research work carried out by the 15 scholarship holders demonstrates ECOWAS’s commitment to developing renewable energy in West Africa." He added: “To our fellows, I would like to congratulate you on your selection into the program. I encourage you to capitalize on the knowledge acquired to contribute to the development of the energy sector. To our partners, thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we are shaping a better future for the sustainable energy sector in West Africa.”
Doctor Joseph Sarr from Cheick Anta Diop University of Dakar expressed gratitude for this partnership which supports students specializing in Solar Energy through UCAD's Master of Physics and Applications program. He encouraged continued collaboration among all partners involved.
Doctor Alassane Diène from Thiès Polytechnic School acknowledged that significant progress has been made through this training initiative essential for advancing knowledge in renewable energy.
The EU-ECOWAS scholarship programme aims to continue enhancing human capital development by supporting researchers from ECOWAS member countries to contribute to sustainable energy development within West Africa. The mission is led by ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines with assistance from ECOWAS Development Partners Coordination Unit (EDPCC ex RAO UNIT) under External Relations Directorate.
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