The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reiterated its commitment to developing a technically skilled Nigerian workforce capable of driving growth across the oil and gas, maritime, and wider industrial sectors. This was stated by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, during the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of trainees of the Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD), Rivers State University. The NCDMB aims to ensure that Nigerians acquire practical and industry-relevant competencies.
The NCDMB has continued to support capacity development through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions designed to produce a competent and globally competitive Nigerian workforce. According to Ogbe, the Board's interventions are aimed at enabling Nigerians to participate meaningfully in the country's industrial and energy sectors. The trainees had demonstrated the practical application of the knowledge acquired during their 24-week intensive training programme.
The training programme covered various technical disciplines, including practical ship design and construction, circular economy design, mechanical piping and pressure vessel design, big data analytics, oil well optimisation, transformer repair and maintenance, as well as international-class welding, fabrication, and qualification. The programme was conducted in partnership with the Rivers State University and CMOTD. The NCDMB boss commended the management of CMOTD and its partners for their commitment to practical, industry-focused training.
The Chief Executive Officer of CMOTD, Engr. Vitalis Ahiakwo, described the centre as a platform for translating academic knowledge and research into practical competencies required by industry. Ahiakwo said the centre was focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry by converting research and knowledge into practical, industry-ready competencies for the marine, offshore, and energy sectors. The centre aims to build the human capital that will propel Nigeria's Blue economy forward.
Addressing the graduating trainees, Ahiakwo described the completion of the programme as the beginning of their professional journey rather than its conclusion. He encouraged them to continue learning with curiosity, act with boldness, collaborate with purpose, and let competence always be matched by integrity. The graduands were also urged to apply their knowledge responsibly in solving practical industry challenges and to continue building their competencies beyond the programme.
The Head of Research and Development and Training Coordinator, Dr. Elakpa Augustine, presented a programme brief, highlighting the areas covered during the 24-week training programme. Elakpa challenged the graduands to apply the knowledge acquired during the programme and uphold professional integrity in their respective fields. The graduands were encouraged to share their knowledge with colleagues and stay connected as ambassadors of CMOTD.
The NCDMB's effort to develop a technically skilled Nigerian workforce is a step towards driving growth and industrial development in the country. The training programme is part of the Board's initiatives to produce a competent and globally competitive Nigerian workforce. Three key points from the programme include:
Key points
- The NCDMB trained Nigerians in technical skills for oil, gas, and maritime sectors.
- The training programme covered various technical disciplines, including practical ship design and construction, and big data analytics.
- The graduands were encouraged to apply their knowledge responsibly and continue building their competencies.
