Solardero Foundation, led by its founder Sayedero Enitan, is working to bridge Nigeria's critical infrastructure gap in electricity access. With over 86.8 million Nigerians lacking access to electricity in 2023, according to World Bank data, the foundation is implementing practical, human-centred renewable energy initiatives. These initiatives are designed for underserved and off-grid communities across the country, focusing on equipping students and educational institutions with clean energy tools.
To date, Solardero has distributed approximately 6,000 solar-powered school bags featuring integrated solar panels and study lights. These bags allow children in un-electrified rural settlements to study safely after sunset without relying on hazardous candles or expensive kerosene lamps. This initiative has been particularly beneficial for students in rural areas, enabling them to continue their education beyond daylight hours.
Beyond individual learning solutions, Solardero has expanded its interventions to institutional power systems. The foundation has donated complete solar electricity setups and digital learning equipment, including laptops, to rural schools across remote locations. Notable examples include Ibiade, a community that had endured over 20 years without electricity, and Idata in the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos State. These donations have significantly improved the learning environment in these areas.
To ensure long-term operational sustainability and local capacity building, Solardero integrates vocational Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) training into its deployments. The organisation teaches secondary school students basic solar installation and maintenance alongside certified technicians. This approach not only provides immediate solutions but also equips young people with skills for the future.
According to Enitan, the foundation's goal is to make life easier by addressing everyday challenges around education, economic opportunity, and safety. The initiative operates with a strong commitment to practical impact and self-reliance within the target areas. By empowering the next generation with practical tools, Solardero aims to create a lasting impact in the communities it serves.
Enitan explained that the core philosophy driving Solardero is derived from the Yoruba word meaning 'to make life easy.' The organisation develops solar-enabled educational products, powers rural classrooms, and delivers technical vocational training to empower the next generation. This philosophy underpins all of Solardero's initiatives and guides its approach to addressing energy poverty.
Solardero operates primarily through personal self-funding and modest commercial product revenues. The social enterprise is actively seeking strategic corporate partnerships and funding to scale its operations. Future plans include expanding school electrification, distributing solar tote bags to extend trading hours for night-market vendors, and deepening vocational energy skills acquisition across additional off-grid regions.
Key points
- Solardero Foundation has distributed approximately 6,000 solar-powered school bags to students in un-electrified rural settlements.
- The foundation has donated complete solar electricity setups and digital learning equipment to rural schools across remote locations.
- Solardero integrates vocational STEM training into its deployments to ensure long-term operational sustainability and local capacity building.
