By Uko Okon, Uyo
The Federal Government is planning to train at least 650,000 young people in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, the Minister of State for Education, shared this information during the opening of a Community Learning Centre in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area on Tuesday.
He explained that the goal of this initiative is to provide youths with the skills they need to meet the growing demands of the job market and industry.
Ahmed, who was represented by Prof. Leo Daniel, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology in Ikot Abasi, mentioned that President Bola Tinubu has approved 120 billion naira to support the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program in the country.
Regarding the new community learning centre, he said it will serve various purposes, including skill development, digital literacy, adult education, and youth empowerment.
The Minister emphasized that this initiative is important for increasing access to quality education and creating inclusive learning opportunities for everyone.
“The Community and Education Centre at Ikot Abasi will be a place for learning, skill acquisition, digital literacy, adult education, and empowering youth,” he said.
“We understand the challenges in our education system, such as poor infrastructure and low enrollment in rural areas, especially for girls.
“By partnering with state and local governments, as well as development agencies, we are working hard to address these issues and ensure that every child has a chance to succeed,” he added.
State Governor Pastor Umo Eno praised the federal government’s investment in education, which aligns with his own policy goals.
The Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing access to quality education and creating inclusive learning opportunities for everyone.
“The Community and Education Centre at Ikot Abasi will function as a learning space, a skill acquisition center, a hub for digital literacy, adult education, and youth empowerment.”
“We understand the difficulties our education system faces, from poor infrastructure to low enrollment and retention rates, especially for girls in rural areas.”
“By partnering with state and local governments, as well as development agencies, we are working hard to address these issues and make sure that every child has the chance to succeed,” he added.
The Governor, represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ubong Umoh, assured that the facility will be safeguarded against vandalism, benefiting not only the local community but the whole state.
Additionally, the Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Prof. Simon Ibor Akpama, stated that the center will provide knowledge and skills to Nigerians, enabling them to contribute to national development.
