Buhari To Resurrect Vocational Training Centres
Adetokunbo Fakeye
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday directed some ministries to urgently prepare and present for approval and implementation, a plan of action for the speedy revitalisation and expansion of the nation’s vocational training centers.
A statement by Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity stated that Buhari gave the directive after a meeting with the Board of Directors of a leading construction company in Nigeria, Julius Berger where Mr President was told that the shortage of competent construction workers and artisans had forced construction companies to bring in skilled workers from abroad.
As the visitors observed that the practice was very detrimental to his administration’s commitment to boosting employment opportunities for young Nigerians, President Buhari pledged that his administration would move quickly to address the shortage of skilled construction workers.
The President, Shehu said was moved by the technical managers explanation and othered for report on the current status of existing vocational training centres established by the Federal Government.
According to him, President told the visitors that his administration would take all necessary action to rapidly reposition them as efficient producers of skilled workers for Nigeria’s building and construction industry.
President Buhari assured members of the Board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc that his administration would act swiftly to ensure that the Building Craft Training School and Skill Improvement Centre in Lagos were fully revamped, staffed and equipped to produce more skilled electricians, brick and block layers, carpenters, painters, welders, fabricators, plumbers and other artisans.
He also assured the Julius Berger Directors led by Mr Mutiu Sunmonu that in spite of the present funding challenges, the Federal Government would continue to do everything possible to settle genuine outstanding payments due to contractors.
The President issued directive to the Federal Ministries of Works and Lands, Housing and Urban Development to prepare and present for approval and implementation, a plan of action for the speedy revitalisation and expansion of the nation’s vocational training centers.