News Agency of Nigeria
Nigerian artisans, technicians commend FG’s skill up programme
General News

Nigerian artisans, technicians commend FG’s skill up programme

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By Aderonke Ojediran

Nigerian artisans and technicians, under the platform of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) have commended the Federal Government’s Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme.

 

It said that the programme has made a significant impact on Nigerian artisans and technicians by enabling them to improve their skills and productivity.

 

Mr Adeshina Akinyemi, National Coordinator of ASNAT, disclosed this at a press conference on Monday in Abuja.

 

It was during the activities and appraisals of the SUPA Programme implemented by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Federal Government’s SUPA programme, managed by the ITF, is an initiative to empower 10 million Nigerian artisans.

 

The programme aims to up-skill, license, and provide artisans with access to toolkits, and promoting industry standards.

 

Akinyemi said that the programme had helped members scale up and add value to economic growth.

 

He commended President Bola Tinubu for designing the programme and the new leadership of ITF led by Dr Oluwatoyin Ogun, for its implementation.

 

He enjoined the government to focus on implementing programmes that would help the administration achieve its Renewed Hope agenda.

 

The National Coordinator said that ASNAT would continue to collaborate with the ITF to promote the growth and development of artisans and technicians in Nigeria.

 

He said: “Having appraised the activities of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme and its positive impact on all Nigerian artisans and technicians, we, therefore, pass a vote of confidence on the programme and score the executorial agency, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) A1, in the implementation and operations of SUPA.’’

 

He decried the negative assessment of the programme in some quarters, saying it was not a true reflection of the benefits enjoyed by the artisans and technicians.

 

“This claim, by a faceless group called Concerned Citizens Advocates for Institutional Accountability, is not only false but also malicious and blackmail.

 

“We urge the public, the National Assembly and the President to disregard this faceless group and its publication and focus on the numerous achievements and successes of the ITF under Dr. Ogun’s leadership.

 

‘’We also call on the President to, as a matter of urgency, call to order or caution those angry minds who are disturbing and distracting the Director General of ITF.”

 

Also speaking, ASNAT Lady President, Mrs Jaiyeola Olatunji, explained that 100,000 artisans have been trained and the next phase of training of artisans would be rolled out soon.

 

The National Secretary of ASNAT, Mr Bari Moses, disclosed that the purpose of the SUPA Programme was to equip Nigerian artisans to world standard.

 

‘’We as artisans are the direct beneficiaries of this programme, and it is important that we come out to state clearly that it was for our own benefit and we benefited from it,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Oshioke, a member of the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), FCT chapter, urged governments to empower artisans and technicians with start-up funds after training.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foundation equips mathematics teachers with 21st century skills in Kaduna  
Education

Foundation equips mathematics teachers with 21st century skills in Kaduna  

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By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

Emerald-Isle Foundation, an NGO, has taken steps to equip mathematics teachers in basic schools in Kaduna State with 21st century teaching skills to improve learning outcomes.

The Team Lead, Ms Evelyn Ode, said this in Kaduna on Saturday, at a one-day training to empower educators with enhanced strategies for teaching mathematics to young learners in basic schools.

Ode explained that the training, under the foundation’s “Train the Tutor Project”, was supported by Ihifix Innovation Hub, to address the problem of mathematics phobia among learners.

She explained that after the training, the teachers would be able to Identify and evaluate the essential qualities of an effective mathematics teacher.

This, she said, would enable the teachers to reflect on how these traits influence students’ engagement and learning outcomes in their various classes.

She added that the teachers would also be able to recognise and differentiate between various learner types – visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, reading/writing and digital, and adapt teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.

“The teachers will equally apply learner-centred strategies that promote critical thinking and problem-solving in early mathematics education.

“They will also analyse and design effective mathematics lesson plans, using best practices, tailored to young learners’ developmental stages.

“Also, the teachers would be able to demonstrate how to integrate real-life applications and hands-on activities into mathematics lessons to enhance relevance and retention.

Ode said that the training, which began with 12 teachers from Elison Academy, Kaduna, would be scaled up to cover many mathematics teachers across different schools across the state.

The Lead Facilitator, Ms Jane Odeh, said that the training integrates hands-on methodologies commonly practiced in the United States, with the rich teaching practices in Nigeria.

Odeh is a mathematics lecturer at Benue State University and a PhD student in Industrial and Computational Mathematics at Morgan State University, Maryland, United States.

According to her, the hybrid approach holds great promise in improving children’s learning outcomes, making mathematics easier to understand and more relevant and engaging.

“We explored practical strategies to make mathematics more accessible and relatable by connecting it to everyday life.

“This shift from rote learning to real-life application empowers students to develop critical 21st-century skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and analytical thinking that are vital for the future of work.”

She expressed concern that performance trends in national examinations, including the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination indicate the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s educational practices, especially in core subjects like mathematics.

“This is not just an academic concern; it is a call to invest meaningfully in Nigeria’s educational sector to build a more competent and competitive future workforce,” she said.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, Ihifix Innovation Hub, Mr Emmanuel Adikpe, said that integrating 21st century skills in the classroom strengthens the teaching methods and strategies of educators.

“This in the long run, will prepare learners for future jobs.

“Ihifix is passionate about education and would continue to support programmes that contribute to nation-building,” Adikpe said.

One of the teachers, Blessing James, a Kindergarten II teacher, said the training was her first since she was recruited to teach in the school.

James added that she had learned new methods of teaching mathematics to young learners.

“The training broadened my knowledge on how to teach my pupils, using their curiosity to engage them.

“I look forward to more training like this to learn more,” she said.

Similarly, a primary four and five mathematics teacher, Emmanuel Adawba, equally said that it was his first time participating in such training, which he described as “very educational”.

“I have learned new strategies of making mathematics easier for the pupils, particularly how to adopt play into teaching mathematics to make it more fun,” he said.

The Head Teacher of the school, Mr Enoch Agang, thanked the foundation for the support, toward helping learners to understand and embrace mathematics.

He noted the need to adopt the use of instructional and other teaching aids to make the teaching of the subject more engaging and interesting. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

FCTA nurturing students’ creativity, entrepreneurship skills
Education

FCTA nurturing students’ creativity, entrepreneurship skills

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its commitment to scale-up programmes that cultivate students’ creativity and entrepreneurship skills to change the world.

Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, stated this in Abuja on Monday, at the grand finale and award ceremony of the FCT-Brunel Innovation Challenge.

The challenge was organised by the Brunel University Business School, London, and the FCT Education Secretariat to promote entrepreneurship among secondary school students.

Represented by the Director, Department of Higher Education, Mr Siyanbola Olumuyiwa, the mandate secretary said that FCT was building an education system that empowers young people with skills and confidence to shape the future.

He said that the students’ innovative ideas “is a testament to what is possible when education is anchored in innovation and supported by visionary leadership.

“This event represents more than the culmination of a competition but a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the limitless potential of our students to provide practical solutions to the challenges facing our society,” he said.

Hayyo commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his unwavering support for education, youth empowerment, and transformative partnerships.

“His leadership has continued to inspire bold initiatives that position Abuja not only as Nigeria’s capital but as a beacon of excellence in education and innovation.

“To our dear students, you are the heartbeat of this challenge.

“You have embraced new ideas with enthusiasm, tackled problems with courage, and shown us all what the future could look like through your eyes.

“Whether or not you claim the top prize today, know that you are already winners in our eyes and ambassadors of a new, innovative generation,” he said.

Dr Mohammed Ladan, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, described the innovation challenge as a “place where creativity meets opportunity”.

Represented by Mrs Pamele Mbanefo, Director/Principal, Nigeria-Korea Model School, Abuja, Ladan stressed that ideas have the power to change the world, if properly harnessed.

“Today we gathered to explore new possibilities, disrupt conventional thinking and showcase the brilliance of minds who were determined to make a difference.

“This competition is not just about presenting ideas, but about practical solutions that address new world problems,” he said.

He urged students to think differently, push their limits to see how far their imagination could take them.

Glisten International Academy emerged winner of the competition with Government Secondary School (GSS) Gwagwalada and GSS Kwali as first and second runner up. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Soludo empowers “1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe” on Tech skills
General News

Soludo empowers “1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe” on Tech skills

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has unveiled the “1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe” (1MADT), an initiative designed to empower no fewer than one million “Ndi Anambra” – Anambra people, with world-class digital skills.

This is an initiative through the Solution Innovation District (SID), toward transforming Anambra into Africa’s Silicon Valley and a Smart Mega City.

This is contained in a statement made on  Wednesday by Ms Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation.

According to Okoli, the ground-breaking programme aims to democratise access to digital education by providing free, high-quality digital skills training to over one million Ndi Anambra, both residents and indigenes.

” At the heart of the initiative is the SID Academy – a robust Learning Management System (LMS) accessible via www.sidacademy.ng, where participants can learn anytime, anywhere, at their own pace.

“Designed to be inclusive and transformative, 1MADT offers 32 beginner to advanced courses in high-demand digital fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, SEO optimisation, web design, data analysis, graphic design, digital marketing, and more.

“It is with flexible training durations ranging from four to 12 weeks.

“No prior experience or qualifications are required, making it accessible to everyone- from students and job seekers to professionals and entrepreneurs,” she said.

She added that the benefits of this initiative extend far beyond individual learners, but equipping Anambra’s workforce with future-ready skills.

Okoli also said that the 1MADT had been designed to drive job creation, inspire innovation, fuel entrepreneurship, enhance SME productivity, and position the state as a magnet for global technology investments.

“Mr Governor promised to upskill 10,000 persons annually but has already surpassed that number.

“With a new target of one million, the goal is to eradicate digital illiteracy and unlock the potential of our people to compete favourably with technology.

“Mr Governor is developing 13.7 hectares as our Silicon Valley and investing in the skill sets required to compete globally. This programme is for all Ndi Anambra—and it is totally free to beneficiaries.

“There are even additional incentives such as laptops and smartphones to celebrate excellence,” she said.

She added that the initiative supported the Governor’s broader vision of economic transformation through digital empowerment and innovation-driven development.

“In line with this vision, SID is also deploying SID Mini Hubs/partner centres which are tech-enabled learning centres strategically located in schools and communities across the state.

“These hubs are outfitted with computers, internet access, projectors, and teleconferencing tools to ensure equitable access to digital resources, especially in underserved areas. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Entrepreneurship: FCT students present innovative solutions to societal problems
Education

Entrepreneurship: FCT students present innovative solutions to societal problems

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By Philip Yatai

Some secondary school students from five schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday, presented innovative and entrepreneurial ideas to solve societal problems.

The presentations were made to officials of Brunel University, London, via Zoom, under the Nigerian-Brunel Innovation Challenge in Abuja.

The participating schools were Government Secondary School (GSS) Gudun-Karya, GSS Gwagwalada, GSS Kubwa, GSS Kwali, and Glisten International Academy, Abuja.

The challenge, titled “Building a Better Abuja,” encourages young Nigerians to explore their local environment, identify needs, and develop solutions using entrepreneurial skills.

Students from GSS Gudun-Karya presented a sustainable agriculture idea called “Project Green Tuition,” which aims to raise funds for education, especially among students from low-income households.

The project integrated palm farming with educational support, using income from palm products like palm oil, palm kernel, broom, and basket to pay school fees, targeting N2.17 million annually from 29 palm trees.

GSS Gwagwalada students introduced an idea on plastic waste management and recycling.

The concept involved collecting plastic waste, sterilising it, and transforming it into useful products such as bags, flower vases, skipping ropes, baskets, torchlights, and pencil and brush holders, room decorations.

The initiative aimed to provide sustainable income for the students while addressing plastic waste in local communities.

The GSS Kubwa team, “Team Lumina,” presented a mobile application that connects school dropouts with individuals, NGOs, and institutions to help them return to school and complete their education.

The app would generate revenue through subscriptions and downloads.

Students from GSS Kwali introduced a nutrition-rich poultry feed project aimed at improving poultry production in communities.

The feed is made from locally sourced ingredients like maize, papaya leaves, moringa, grain bran, soya beans, groundnut, and animal bone, and would be sold for N15,000 per 25-kilogram bag, generating a N2,000 profit margin.

Students of Glisten International Academy, Abuja, tagged “Cleandrops Initiative Team, presenting a low-cost water purification idea, designed to provide affordable clean water to residents, during the final lap of the Nigerian-Brunel Innovation Challenge, in Abuja.

The Glisten International Academy team, known as “Cleandrops Initiative Team,” proposed a low-cost water purification solution.

Their idea involved the use of chemical-free purifiers made from moringa oleifera, activated carbon, fine sand, and gravel, designed to provide affordable clean water to residents.

Dr Mohammed Ladan, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, said the programme was collaboration between Brunel University and the FCT to foster entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation among Nigerian students.

He noted that 26 schools participated in the competition, out of which the five schools that scaled to the final stage emerged and presented their innovative ideas for assessment.

Ladan said that the challenge was designed to empower students to develop sustainable businesses that could thrive in both local and international markets.

He added that the FCT Administration was committed to ensuring that no student would graduate from secondary school without acquiring a skill.

“With these innovative and creative ideas displayed by the students, I am very confident that we will achieve that.

“We are also exposing students to international packaging for global markets, so whatever they produce will meet international standards,” he said.

Mr Musa Zuru, the coordinator of the competition, highlighted that the goal of the challenge was to uncover hidden talents among school students, enabling them to initiate and nurture business ideas for the benefit of their communities.

Mrs Helen Idakoji, Coordinator of the FCT-Brunel Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme, stated that the innovation challenge would become an annual event aimed at sharpening students’ creativity and critical thinking.

She said that the top three schools would be exposed to industries in London, where they would receive support to turn their ideas into tangible products for both national and international markets. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu urges youths to leverage NASRDA skills acquisition project for employment
Science & Tech

Tinubu urges youths to leverage NASRDA skills acquisition project for employment

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian youths to leverage the skills acquisition programme of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) for gainful employment.

Tinubu made the call in Abuja, during the opening ceremony of NASRDA skills acquisition project being executed in collaboration with Grassroots Bridge Builders (GBB), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

Represented by Mr Adewale Adeogun, Chairman, Tinubu National Think Tank (TnT), he said the project was part of the many initiatives of the government under its Renewed Hope Agenda.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project targets to train 60,000 youths with relevant life changing skills.

“Most of our people are not aware of some of the policies that the President has brought forward because they were not informed, misinformed.

“The NASRDA/GBB project is here to educate, train and allow NGOs, corporate bodies, religious bodies, some support group leaders on these activities and we have millions of people unaware.

“We want Nigerians to embrace this programme, come up with ideas of how we can get millions, at least 50 million Nigerians out of this unemployment circle,’’ Tinubu said.

He said the Federal Government was in discussions with companies, government institutions to employ the youths who had benefited from the project.

“These youths, when trained through our platform, we will introduce them to ministries, agencies, parastatals and industries for employment.’’

Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, said that Nigerian youths were intelligent, hardworking and creative, adding that the government was committed to giving them skills for development.

“We can use space science and technology to empower the youth to function in their own ecosystem,’’ he said.

He recalled the agency had already started a pilot skills acquisition programme on mast installation, maintenance and management of telecom infrastructure, with over 60 youths in participation.

According to him, the training is expected to touch on different sectors, states and local government levels because that is where the bulk of our youths reside.

Dr Haruna Mohammed, Technical Adviser to the D-G, said they were at the level of profiling the participants.

“The first was the pilot project, which we had over 60 participants, and we are scaling it up now, and we are profiling them, gathering data, trying to know how to spread it across the country.

“For this next stage, we are proposing 5000 youths and we recently had a request from some ministries to train about 60,000 youths,’’ he said.

Mohammed said that the youths would be trained on 27 different skills such as artistry, carpentry and painting.

Mr Ibrahim Igoche, Chief Executive Officer, GBB, encouraged other NGO partners to join the government in building the skills of Nigerian youths to reduce poverty. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Coy trains 100 almajiris on skills in Kaduna
General News

Coy trains 100 almajiris on skills in Kaduna

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By Sani Idris

A firm, Nutriment Investment Hub Ltd, on Thursday began a three-month training of 100 teenage Almajiris on various skills in Kaduna.

Amlajiris are children who leave their families to study Islam in Qur’anic schools, mostly in the northern part of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the company is a subsidiary of Nutriment Feeds and Nutriment Holdings.

The Almajiri children would be trained on alternative farming, which is sack farming and gardening, livestock, poultry farming, shoe cobbling, soap and pomade making, among others.

Mr Dauda Oche, the Group’s Head of the company, said they organised the programme tagged, “Almajiri Lets Farm”, as a corporate social responsibility.

Oche said that the firm had realised that there were a lot of things that they needed to do as a company.

He explained that the programme was a community-based initiative designed to empower the almajiri children with practical agricultural and life skills through practical training.

According to Oche, the programme seeks to provide the almajiri children with sustainable
 skills that could enhance their food security, self-sufficiency and long-term livelihood opportunities.

He, therefore, said the programme was aimed at introducing the children to agriculture and enhancing their self-sufficiency.

This is by providing life-long skills, encouraging environmental sustainability and
 fostering community involvement.

Oche emphasised: “The aim is not for people to come as aid to support the Almajiris, but to collaborate with the stakeholders for a sustainable outcome for the future of the Almajiris.

“For us, we are not saying that philanthropists should come and give us money for free, that era is over.

“We want to see an era of collaboration, because we believe that the almajiris have dignity, talents and intelligence.”

Speaking further, Oche said they met some institutions like the Kaduna Polytechnic where they sought for 70 hectares of land for cultivation based on the training of the almajiris.

He said that they have had some training on precision agriculture where they could farm sorghum, maize, millet and soybeans.

Oche disclosed that the organisation was looking for the possibilities of empowering about 10, 000 almajiris in the nearest future.

He said, according to the World Health Organisation, about 8.5 to 10 million almajiris constitute 70 per cent of the out-of-school children.

Oche said, “If you empower that number, you can imagine the food security that will come instead of running about in the streets going from one place to the other.

“We realised that they will be more productive to the society and to themselves.

“If an almajiri can farm 22 tubers of yam, it could take care of the carbohydrate requirements for 365 days which is sufficient for the almajiri.

“If we put eight to 10 million Almajiris into such production, it will solve 10 to 20 per cent of carbohydrates requirements of the nation,”he said.

Oche said that a country like Brazil that has a population of 220 million people, earns about 100 million metric tonnes of grains from farming.

He, therefore, said Nigeria, which has a population of about 230 million people and an average of production of 11.5 million metric tonnes, showed a lot of deficits.

“The size of arable lands that we are utilising is less than 50 per cent. with this initiative, I believe we can do much more,”he explained.

Earlier, the Chairman, Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Mahmoud Lawal, commended the organisation for empowering the almajiris.

He restated the government’s commitment to supporting such programmes, ensuring that almajiri children acquired skills for self-sufficiency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the training’s duration is for three months.

It will take place simultaneously at Unguwar Rimi, Badarawa, Babban Saura, Rigasa and Badiko.(NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Public service: FCTA builds leadership capacities of young civil servants
Metro

Public service: FCTA builds leadership capacities of young civil servants

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a capacity building programme to nurture leadership abilities of young civil servants for effective public service.

Mr Grace Adayilo, Head of FCT Civil Service stated this in Abuja on Friday, at the opening of the1st Cohort of the FCT Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (FCT LEAD-P).

Adayilo explained that the FCT LEAD-P was one of three core training programmes established under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), 2020 to 2025.

She said that the programme specifically targets civil servants on grades level 10 to 14, made up of highly talented individuals deemed essential for the succession planning and transformation of the civil service.

According to her, the programme is strategically designed to attract, recruit, and nurture these individuals through a comprehensive array of training activities.

“LEAD-P is regarded as a pivotal element for the future of public service, with its guidelines informed by the FCSSIP, policies governing leadership management and succession planning in the civil service.

“Establishment of the FCT LEAD-P is a crucial step toward ensuring that we have a pool of highly skilled and capable leaders ready to take on the challenges of governing our vibrant capital territory.”

She disclosed that the FCT LEAD-P aims to train a minimum of 100 officers every year to cultivate a new generation of leaders.

She added that the officer would be equipped not only with the requisite knowledge and skills but also with resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to FCT’s shared vision of public service excellence.

Adayilo said that the move would establish a solid foundation for effective succession planning that fosters a culture of self-development, designed to enrich the civil service landscape.

The head of service commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for approving the programme, which demonstrated his commitment and visionary leadership.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunities for learning, networking, and personal growth that lie ahead.

The Permanent Secretary, Common Services, FCTA, Mr Babatunde Ajayi, said that the programme marks a significant and transformative chapter in the journey toward building a dynamic and efficient civil service in the FCT.

“This programme is not just an educational endeavour; it is a gateway to self-discovery and professional growth.

“Our commitment extends beyond mere training; it is about nurturing a culture of leadership that resonates throughout every level of our administration.

“Each successful cohort of this programme will be regarded as the elite crop of civil servants, distinguished by the depth of knowledge and expertise they have acquired,” he said.

On her part, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, said that the programme was the first of its kind in the history of the FCT.

“This is the first time this is happening in the FCTA to fill the identified gaps in service delivery following a result of a baseline research,” she said.

Ahmadu Said that 975 officers applied for the programme, out of which only 100 would be selected for a 7-months training within and outside the FCT.

She said that the officers would be trained to fill the gap in the next generation of leaders when their time comes to become directors, permanent secretaries or head of service.

She explained that the officer would be trained to work in any of FCTA’s secretariats, departments and agencies, including serving as technical assistants to political appointees. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

ACCI empowers 15 youths with ICT, vocational skills
Economy/Business

ACCI empowers 15 youths with ICT, vocational skills

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By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has trained 15 youths in Information Communication Technology (ICT), administrative management, and other vocational skills.

President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, stated this during the 2nd graduation ceremony for the one-year competency-based training in Abuja.

Represented by his 1st Deputy President, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, the ACCI boss said that the goal was to equip the youths with the needed skills to excel in their respective fields.

He stated that the trainees had participated in both the Office Administration (OA) and Technical Facility Operations and Maintenance (TFOM) Competency-Based Dual Vocational Training Programmes.

Obegolu emphasised that the event marked the culmination of months of dedication, perseverance, and hard work, with students completing rigorous and industry-focused training programmes.

“This training is the second phase of our competency-based programmes and serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, self-reliance, and commitment to excellence in vocational training,” Obegolu said.

He added that the goal of these programmess was to equip participants with the essential skills required to excel in their respective fields.

“These programmes go beyond traditional learning. They immerse trainees in real-world scenarios, ensuring they gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience,” he explained.

He further noted that the Office Administration programme followed the Dual Vocational Training (DVT) model, integrating workplace experience with academic instruction, leading to a level four certification under the National Skills Qualification Framework.

Obegolu also mentioned that the programmes were approved by the Federal Government through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

He added that since 2021, the programmes have trained individuals in key areas such as workplace organisation, business communication, information technology, administrative management, and financial and legal support functions.

He described the TFOM programme, which focuses on technical facility management, highlighting its importance in equipping trainees with competencies across 12 critical learning fields, including safe working practices, environmental protection measures, electrical installation, and building security.

“The programme’s methodology, which combines one month of classroom instruction with three months of practical field training, ensures that graduates are highly employable,” Obegolu said.

He also lauded the graduates for developing essential soft skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism.

“These attributes will serve them well in their careers and contribute positively to their organisations and society,” he added.

Obegolu expressed his gratitude to GIZ and other stakeholders for their unwavering support in ensuring the successful execution of the training

He encouraged the graduates to embrace future opportunities with confidence and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Mrs Britta Erckelens, Programme Manager at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), praised the graduates for establishing a solid foundation of excellence.

She urged them to develop their skills and contribute to their respective industries to drive economic growth in Nigeria.

She also lauded the collaboration between GIZ and ACCI, which had enhanced the capacity of the ACC-IBEST Centre to deliver high-quality, market-relevant training programmes.

Mrs Phoebe Ocheche, Head of Training at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), advised the graduates to remain focused and share their experiences with others.

She thanked GIZ and ACCI for their efforts in making the training a success.

On behalf of the graduates, Mr Mamza Chakiram from the Industrial Arbitration Panel thanked ACCI, GIZ, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the training.

He said that the experience had exposed them to various technology programmes.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

ACCI to establish university to bridge skills gap in Africa
Economy/Business

ACCI to establish university to bridge skills gap in Africa

488 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced plans to establish a Continental University aimed at addressing the skills gap across Africa.

The President of ACCI, Dr Emeka Obegolu, said this at the chamber’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja.

According to Obegolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the proposed university, known as the ACCI Continental University, will provide hybrid online and full-time education.

He said the institution would operate as a truly pan-African university, offering training in five major languages including English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, and Swahili.

According to the ACCI boss, the diverse languages will serve the diverse regions of the continent.

“We are engaging with the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to secure approval for the university.

“The facilities are already in place, and we are consulting with international education specialists to design a comprehensive curriculum, particularly for the language components,” Obegolu said.

He said that the university would focus on equipping students with practical and technical skills tailored to meet the demands of the labour market.

The ACCI president restated the need to address the mismatch between university graduates’ qualifications and the skills required by industries.

“It is no longer enough to graduate with degrees in political science or sociology without the necessary foundational skills.

“Many of these graduates end up in unrelated fields, such as banking, without adequate preparation,” he said.

The ACCI president added that the university would support businesses by providing trained personnel in high-demand fields such as carpentry, medicine, and other vocational areas.

Obegolu also emphasised that the university would bridge the gap in skilled manpower across the continent, ensuring businesses had access to a workforce tailored to their specific needs.

On the timeline for the university’s launch, he said it would depend on the NUC’s approval.

“We are ready on our part, but the timeline is subject to the NUC’s decision. Once we secure their approval, we will announce a definitive schedule.

“I am calling on the media to support the initiative by promoting its vision and objectives, which aligns with fostering economic growth and reducing unemployment across Africa,” he said.

According to Obegolu, the year 2024 has been challenging for many businesses as they continued to stay afloat without sinking.

“The Chamba is a sub-component of Nigeria, so businesses have not had it easy for 2024, but again, there are pointers that 2025 may be better.

“If we are able, as a country, to deal with the stability of our national currency, the Naira , it will help businesses to plan ahead.

“The challenge we faced in 2024 is the inability of businesses to plan because without knowing what the exchange rate will be, it is difficult for businesses to plan.

“So what they resorted to was more of gambling, and some won, some lost. So businesses thrived, some businesses also suffered and shut down,” Obegolu said.

On projections for 2025, Obegolu said the ACCl would focus on advocating for the development of the Idu Industrial District, as it had the potential to support employment in the country.

According to him, the hub will support industrialisation and the economy of the Federal Capital Territory.

Obegolu therefore reiterated the importance for state governments to set up a minimum of one or two industrial districts with dedicated power, infrastructure, and everything needed for businesses to thrive.

On the increased inflation rate, Obegolu said instability rather than rate increase was the challenge, thus the importance of regulating the Naira to enable businesses to plan.

On the increased inflation rate, Obegolu said the major challenge was the instability of the naira, thus the importance of regulating the naira to enable businesses to plan.

While commending the Chamber for the strides achieved over the years, its First Deputy President, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, reiterated the importance of collaboration among members.

Adesugba said, “We can only be stronger as an organisation when we work together.”

Also, the ACCI Second Deputy president, Dr Aliyu Hong, commended the vision, courage, and boldness of the chamber’s president.

“We have a formidable president who is thinking for tomorrow and not today. That is why we have been able to achieve the things we have achieved today.

“I want to urge members to take advantage of the initiatives we have at the chamber as they provide basic solutions to most of the problems we face as a business,” he said.

The President, Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Mr David Etim, urged the government to include the private sector in its projects as it was a major way of growing the economy. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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