In a bid to deepen its metering strategy, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), says it has trained 140 employees to boost metering density and management across its network.
Speaking during the presentation of certificates to the graduands, the Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electric, Folake Soetan, said Ikeja Electric Metering Academy was launched in 2020 as a result of shortage in human capacity for the installation of meters, resulting in slow pace of metering across its network.
The CEO who was represented by Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ikeja Electric, Mrs. Seqinah Akinwunmi, said the training was done in collaboration with the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and the Energy Training Centre (ETC).
According to her, the young graduands were selected across Ikeja Electric’s six Business Units which included; Akowonjo, Shomolu, Abule-Egba, Ikeja, Oshodi and Ikorodu.
Akinwunmi said the essence of the training was to bridge the metering gap in the industry which aligns with the vision of Ikeja Electric, as well as the Federal Government’s National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).
“The programme will also equip staff to carry out the functions including meter installation, identifying faults and also rectifying the faults. This will in turn improve service delivery, ensure customer satisfaction, and also grow revenue,” she added. “This programme is very important to us. That is why we have put in a lot of resources and time, and also partnered with NAPTIN and ETC to close up this skill gap in the industry.” While congratulating the graduating students, she tasked them to be worthy ambassadors of Ikeja Electric and adhere to safety standards which is one of the DisCo’s core values.
The Managing Director, Energy Training Centre, Mrs. Ibiene Okeleke said: “Ikeja Electric had invested heavily in the Metering Academy. They partnered with Energy Training Centre (ETC) to ensure the 140 candidates were trained by the Metering Academy, across three batches.
According to her, “The Energy Training Centre had signed a partnership with NAPTIN, which is the sector’s regulated training centre that works with Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). So, NAPTIN was acting as the certifying body, and as such, they ensured that the programme followed the curriculum and the right content.