Nigerian students are being encouraged to pursue careers in green jobs as the demand for skills in the clean energy sector continues to rise.

The National Ex-Officio of the National Association of University Students, Moses Alalade, led the call for young Nigerians to acquire the expertise necessary to thrive in roles that contribute to environmental sustainability.

“Green jobs are essential not only for our environment but also for creating meaningful employment opportunities,” Alalade said in a statement on Monday.

Adding that sustainable energy careers offer a direct path to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7, which focuses on affordable and clean energy.

He emphasised that young professionals equipped with green skills can play a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change risks.

Alalade has been at the forefront of grassroots initiatives to promote sustainability among Nigerian students.

As a former Chapter President of Student Energy, a non-profit dedicated to building youth capacity in clean energy, he launched the Switch and Spark Initiatives.

He explained that the Switch program provides weekly forums for students to engage in clean energy discussions, networking, and skills development, while the Spark initiative focuses on sustainable energy projects for underserved rural communities, including off-grid energy access for the physically challenged.

Recognising the importance of collaboration, Alalade praised partnerships with government agencies and international organizations, such as Student Energy, that support young Nigerians’ training in sustainable energy.

He expressed a commitment to further partnerships, noting that strategic collaborations are key to expanding access to green skills and scaling sustainable energy initiatives nationwide.

Alalade concluded by urging the Nigerian government, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions to support programs that empower young people in the rapidly growing sustainable energy sector.

“We call on government and industry leaders to back initiatives that open doors for young professionals in clean energy, fostering a workforce ready to meet the challenges of a low-carbon future,” he said.