By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, Dec. 17, 2025 (NAN) The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, says the inauguration of Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) BEST Centre will enhance digital skills acquisition and capacity building.
Udeh said this while inaugurating the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre on Wednesday in Abuja.
He described the centre as a critical private sector-driven hub for skills development and innovation.
He said that the centre would enhance digital skills acquisition, capacity building and industry relevant training across emerging and specialised fields, and strengthen Nigeria’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
He said that the centre had contributed to rare skills development, including gemology, which later became an academic course now offered by the University of Abuja.
The minister described the facility as a strong example of private sector leadership, adding that it aligns with government’s goal of linking education, research, industry and the market.
He said that 4the ministry was already partnering with the ACCI and would deepen collaboration through structured engagements and targeted support areas.
According to him, the centre represents a meeting point for government, innovators, researchers, policymakers and industry players to advance national development through coordinated innovation efforts.
He said that progress in science, technology and innovation directly translated to overall national advancement, as innovation permeates homes, industries and daily economic activities.
The President of the ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, described the BEST Centre as a vision realised to bridge business, entrepreneurship, skills development and innovation.
Obegolu said that the centre was designed to deliver practical, industry-driven programmes for entrepreneurs, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), professionals and youths, with focus on digital skills and emerging technologies.
He said that sustainable economic growth depended on continuous investment in human capacity, adding that the centre would help reduce reliance on expatriate manpower.
The Chairman of the BEST Centre Council, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said that over 4,000 people had been trained in the last five years through partnerships and specialised skills programmes.
Adesugba, who is also ACCI First Deputy President, said that the centre also operated an employment bureau to ensure trained participants were linked to job opportunities and sustainable enterprises.
The Director of the centre, Dr Tinuke Temitope, said that the facility would double training capacity, expand partnerships and empower young Nigerians, women and businesses, to remain competitive and economically viable.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
