Vocational skills, remain backbone of Nigeria’s economy, says Kehinde Onasanya

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya has affirmed that vocational skills remain backbone of Nigeria’s economy and the contributions of the promoters of vocational skill acquisition would be invaluable.

Penpushing reports that Onasanya made this known while speaking at the graduation ceremony of students of the Peter Akinola Foundation Youth Center for Industrial Training held at the Peter Akinola Foundation Youth Center for Industrial Training Kilometer 10, Abeokuta- Lagos Expressway, Abeokuta

The number one civil servant explained that the occasion was more than a ceremony but a recognition of the graduands dedication, resilience and determination to equip themselves with the skills that would shape their future and help them to contribute meaningfully to the society.

Penpushing further reports that he pointed out that the foundation had continued to standardize technical and vocational education by equipping the youths with relevant skills to boost the nation economy and better the society.

The Head of Service reiterated that the technical and vocational training would continue to bridge the employment gap as the civil service is already saturated and cannot definitely absolve the thousands of graduates being turned out year in year out by the higher institutions of learning in the country

Penpushing also reports that he added that vocational training gives opportunity for self-development and wealth creations to the learners as they moved out to unlock the world of possibilities.

The Head of service stated that the state government remains irrevocably committed to vocational education as a vital tool for empowering individuals, driving innovation and stimulating sustainable economic growth.

Penpushing reports that Onasanya said the state government under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun has demonstrated its commitment through the Ogun State Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) initiative which focused on enhance Technical Vocation Education to boost youth employability and entrepreneurship with a major component being the 2024 Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) scholarship for 1000 girls supported by World Bank.

The Head of Service, however charged the graduands to believe in themselves and be focused while he equally commended Peter Akinola for his unwavering commitment to the development of the vocational training center over the years which has indeed underscored the provision of the much-needed manpower to drive the country’s industry and economy.

Penpushing further reports that Akinola in his remarks said the centre is meant to nurture talent into excellence and transform the youths into core professionals thereby being a job creator rather than a job seeker

The founder of the foundation explained that the training was specifically designed to fill the gap of unemployment in the country and for the youths to be able to stand on their feet thereby promoting a positive perception to address the skills gap in Nigeria’ s workforce

Penpushing also reports that Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu  in his goodwill message appreciated the founder of the foundation for teaching the young ones how to fish rather than giving them fish that would not last adding that a functional education involves the vocational training that will help grow the economy.

The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Oluwatosin Oloko said the state was committed to standardisation of technical and vocational education pointing out that eight technical colleges have been upgraded to equip students with relevant skills to boost the economy

Penpushing reports that in his own contributions, Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr Olayinka Elemide described the vocational as a breeding ground for skill acquisition and empowerment for the growth of the economy

Meanwhile, two of the graduands Kehinde Grace and Yahaya Martins thanked the foundation and their sponsors for channeling partway of success in life for them through the vocational training.

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