The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, has emphasized the critical need for increased investment in technical and vocational education to address Nigeria’s demand for skilled manpower.
According to the Speaker, such investments are essential for advancing both technological and infrastructural development in Ogun State and across the nation.
Rt. Hon. Elemide made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, who visited the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, to announce the launch of the Masroor International Technical College (MITC).
The new institution, supported by the International Ahmadi Architect and Engineers Association (IAAAE), aims to equip students with essential technical and vocational skills.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the country, Elemide lamented the scarcity of skilled professionals in technical fields, which he believes hinders national growth.
He noted that the Assembly has been actively collaborating with the state’s executive arm to revive technical and vocational training programs.
“Our efforts in resuscitating technical and vocational education are geared towards supporting the built environment, creating jobs, and enhancing both infrastructure and human capital for export,” he explained.
In her remarks, Deputy Speaker Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi commended the Ahmadiyya organization for its dedication to enhancing technical and vocational education in the state.
She pledged that at least five individuals from her constituency would receive sponsorship for training at MITC, underscoring her commitment to skill development and youth empowerment.
Representing the International Ahmadi Architect and Engineers Association, Sir Akram Ahmed, Chairman of IAAAE Europe, and Alhaji (Arch.) Mufadhil Bankole, Nigeria Chairman, outlined the college’s offerings.
They stated that MITC would provide specialized training in areas such as electrical installation, refrigeration and air conditioning, plumbing, ICT (computer hardware and full-stack software development), and various building trades, including bricklaying, masonry, and tiling, with classes starting immediately after its inauguration on Thursday, November 7, 2024.