The Federal Government has urged youths in Ondo State and across the six geopolitical zones to acquire relevant technical and practical skills to promote self-employment, create job opportunities and contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the charge during the flag-off ceremony of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills, IDEAS, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, initiative for 100 trainees in welding and fabrication in Akure.
The six-month training programme was organised in collaboration with Custom Construction Limited and Multishegs Engineering Limited.
The Training Programme Manager, David Akindele, said the initiative was designed to empower young people with practical skills that would promote self-reliance and contribute to national economic growth.
Mr. Akindele noted that participants would receive widely recognised certificates upon completion of the programme, which would enhance their employability and enable them to secure contracts with corporate organisations.
Flagging off the initiative, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, represented by a Senior Officer of the National Project Coordinating Unit, Amaka Onu, highlighted the achievements recorded so far under the Federal Ministry of Education’s IDEAS TVET project.
She encouraged the trainees to see themselves as future entrepreneurs, stressing that while certification is important, mastering the practical ability to transform raw metal into functional products remains paramount.
Some of the trainees, including Thomas Ogunmakinju and Michael Fayola, expressed their expectations and goals for participating in the programme, particularly their desire to acquire new skills and upgrade their existing expertise in welding and fabrication.
Other participants expressed optimism that the training and certification would enable them to become competent welders and fabricators, improve their socioeconomic status and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
