Federal Polytechnic, Oko Skills Development Centre has been rated high among other Training Service Providers (TSPs) that participated in the IDEAS Cohort 2, Batch 2 flag-off ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The participating TSPs from Anambra state include: Federal Technical College, Awka, Federal Polytechnic, Oko Skill Development Centre, UNIZIK Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Holy Rosary Vocational and Innovative Institute, Igboukwu, Great AI- Mac Nigeria Limited, Ever fresh Vocational Institute, Nnewi and African Network for Disaster Risk Reduction Sustainable Development.
Other TSPs in attendance include: Derbrino Global Concept Aguata, Institute of Arts and Craft, Uga and Wokin Tools Nigeria Limited.
The training is being organised by the Federal Ministry of Education TVET Initiative with support from the World bank.
The overall essence of the 6 months intensive training is to empower Nigerian youths with skills, knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast evolving world.
Presenting an address on behalf of Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, the Project’s National Coordinator during the flag-off, Eldad Domshak explained that the training provided to youths at no cost is an investment that will yield transformative results for Nigerians.
He revealed that about 40,000 Nigerian youths are currently being trained in various skills including fashion design, garment making, vulcanizing and tire repairs, computer hardware and GSM repair across the country.
He noted that the programme consists of classroom sessions, internship for real-world experience, and entrepreneurship mentorship to equip trainees for business management and self-employment.”
In his speech, the Director and TPM of the Skill Development Centre, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Engr. Ogonna Nwokoye appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for providing policy direction and strategic oversight for the programme.
Engr. Nwokoye showed deep appreciation to the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie for her deep thoughts and efforts towards the skills development centre at the Federal Polytechnic Oko.
“Our Skill Development centre is topping the chat in Anambra state. We are head of most of the TSPs in the state judging from our equipment, infrastructure and manpower and they are all the brain child of our Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie.
“Already before I came in as the Director of the centre, she had already set out major skills at the centre including the Welding and Fabrication, block moulding and Fashion and since then, we have received more equipment that enabled us to venture into tiling, paint production, and electrical works .
“In this IDEAS-TVET Initiative in Anambra state, Federal Polytechnic Oko was assigned the highest number in Anambra state, we were assigned 200 and we owe our Rector big gratitude.
“In our Polytechnic, we have two major areas that we train the youths under the IDEA Scheme; they are, livestock farming, Networking and Security installation.
“In these two areas, they are being trained hands on the skill, so that after the programme, they can establish themselves.
“The IDEAS-Scheme will empower them with Empowerment kits which will enable them to start off and upon graduation, they will be issued with a certificate of National Skills Qualification Framework which will enable them to even land employment job here in Nigeria or in Diaspora” he said.
