The programme, organised by the Ondo State Board for Adult, Technical and Vocational Education in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the German Centre for Migration and Development, aims to improve employability, promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the state’s skilled workforce. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration designed the programme to bridge the gap between informal skills acquisition and formal recognition. The programme was flagged off by Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti.
The initiative focuses on empowering young artisans with technical and vocational skills essential to economic growth. Aiyedatiwa emphasized that artisans play a significant role in driving economic activities and improving livelihoods. Participants include electricians, automobile technicians, and other skilled workers. The governor highlighted the importance of certification, stating that it provides artisans with evidence of competence and gives prospective employers and customers greater confidence in their abilities.
All participants will receive formal certification, making them more competitive and creating opportunities for them to access employment, expand their businesses, and contribute more effectively to the economy. Aiyedatiwa urged them to regard their certificates as evidence of competence and professionalism. He also encouraged them to deploy their skills responsibly and continue to improve their expertise. The certification programme was conceived to formally recognise artisans who had acquired practical skills but lacked government-approved certificates.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari, noted that the demand for technical and vocational skills has increased due to changes in the global labour market. He identified renewable energy as an emerging sector with significant opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment. Maigari’s representative, Ondo State Controller of the ministry, Mrs. Olanike Mogboruko, attended the programme.
Tayo Oluyi, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Vocational and Technical Education, disclosed that beneficiaries were selected via an online application process conducted in accordance with federal guidelines. Applicants between 18 and 35 years were considered for the programme. Oluyi explained that the essence of certification is to address the situation of artisans who are truly skilled but have no certification to advance their careers.
The state government is creating additional opportunities for young people through specialised vocational training, including a programme to train 50 automobile technicians in compressed natural gas conversion and maintenance. State-owned vocational and technical institutions provide training in several trades, including electrical installation, welding, and fabrication, motor mechanics, refrigeration, and air-conditioning.
The expansion of training and certification opportunities is part of efforts to equip young people with practical skills, making them self-reliant. Oluyi revealed that the state government is committed to providing young people with skills that will enable them to become self-reliant and contribute to the economy.
Key points
- 500 young artisans in Ondo State, Nigeria, have begun technical and vocational skills acquisition under a free trade test programme.
- The programme aims to improve employability, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen the state’s skilled workforce.
- All participants will receive formal certification, making them more competitive and creating opportunities for them to access employment.
