The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering local capacity and providing Nigerians with relevant technical skills. This commitment was made during the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of trainees from the Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD) at Rivers State University. The NCDMB's executive secretary, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, emphasized the board's role in supporting the development of a competent and globally competitive Nigerian workforce through strategic partnerships.
The six-month intensive training program equipped trainees with practical skills that they have already begun applying to real-life projects. Ogbe, represented by Ilu Ozekhome, commended the graduands for applying the skills learned during the program. He noted that their ability to deploy these skills into practical use was a testament to the effectiveness of the training. The program aimed to develop technical skills required to support Nigeria's industrial and maritime sectors.
Ogbe congratulated the graduands on completing the program, highlighting that it represented a significant step towards developing the technical skills needed for Nigeria's industrial and maritime sectors. He encouraged them to continue learning, remain disciplined, and apply their knowledge and skills responsibly. The NCDMB boss emphasized that the real value of the training would be demonstrated through the use of their skills to create solutions and contribute to the industry.
The Chief Executive Officer of CMOTD, Engr Vitalis Ahiakwo, described the centre as a hub for innovation and applied technology. He stated that its objective was to bridge the gap between academia and industry by converting research and knowledge into practical, industry-ready competencies for the marine, offshore, and energy sectors. Ahiakwo emphasized that the centre's core focus was on building the human capital needed to propel Nigeria's blue economy forward.
Ahiakwo addressed the graduands, noting that the training had equipped them with specialized skills and problem-solving abilities required in the marine, offshore, energy, and technology sectors. He urged them to utilize their skills to drive innovation and contribute to the growth of the industry. The CMOTD CEO highlighted the importance of the training in addressing the skills gap in the industry.
The NCDMB's commitment to developing local capacity is part of its broader strategy to promote meaningful participation in Nigeria's industrial, oil, and gas sectors. Through partnerships and interventions, the board has continued to support the development of a competent and globally competitive Nigerian workforce. The CMOTD program is one of the initiatives aimed at achieving this goal.
The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone in the development of technical skills in Nigeria. The NCDMB and CMOTD have demonstrated their commitment to fostering innovation and applied technology in the country. As the graduands begin their careers, they are expected to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria's industrial and maritime sectors.
Key points
- NCDMB commits to developing local capacity and equipping Nigerians with technical skills for industrial and oil and gas sectors.
- CMOTD provides practical, industry-focused training to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
- Graduands equipped with specialized skills and problem-solving abilities for marine, offshore, energy, and technology sectors.