Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako – Oyedel has reiterated the present administration’s passion for quality education at all levels as well as, vocational training and empowerment for the youths.
Engr. Salako – Oyedele stated this while receiving management of the Industrial Training Fund, (ITF) Ogun State branch, led by the Area Manager, Mrs. Funmi Coker, said a lot of the unused model colleges would be used as vocational training centres, Information Communication Technology (ICT) development Centre among others.
“His Excellency has also said there is need to look at the education sector from all angles which includes; the pupils themselves, the condition under which they learn, teaching materials, infrastructure of the schools, welfare and training of the teachers, because if our teachers are happy and well trained, our children will be given the best”, she said.
She noted that if the State Government and ITF could collaborate, both would be able to achieve set objectives of training and empowering the youths in the State.
Earlier in his remarks, Mrs. Funmi Coker, explained that, ITF is a training organisation established by Federal Government to promote and encourage the acquisition of skills and capacity building, adding that since 2012, ITF has embarked on different vocational training for youths between the ages of 18 and 40, which constitute 70 percent of the Nigeria population.
“n 2012, we trained 1,000 youths in each state of the federation, totaling 36,000 trained youths, including FCT, Abuja in different skills. Also in 2013 and 2014, we trained 2000 youth in all the 36 states, but we realized that we don’t give them start up pack, which they really need.
“We reduced the numbers to 300 from 2017 till date and we have been giving them start up tools in catering and event management, Aluminium, Fabrication and installation through the National Industrial Skill Development Programme (NISDP). Arrangements have alos been concluded to train 300 indigenes this year, slated for August to October in four locations to include: Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro and Aiyetoro”, She said.
She added that most of the youths trained are now employers of labour, pointing out that ITF training programmes were not only meant for graduates but opened to secondary and basic school leaving certificate holders, with 21 training centres spread across the three senatorial districts of the State.
Coker noted that the trainees were also trained on financial management and feasibility studies, in collaboration with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
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