The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has disclosed that no fewer than 250,000 young Nigerians have been enrolled in the Federal government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme across the country.
The ministry at the launch of the programme set a one-million-enrolment target.
Alausa spoke on Thursday at his induction as a member of the Epe Club held in the Alausa area of Lagos State.
The ceremony, which was held in honour of a political leader in the Epe Division, Shakiru Akanni, saw political stakeholders and traditional rulers in the state converge for the celebration.
The minister, who was the Chairman of the ceremony, said the enrolment signifies the President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving the education sector, adding that skill acquisition is an important factor in the growth of any nation.
He continued, “Skill is the present and the future. We have changed the interest of our young citizens in skill development, and that is why, within the last 14 months, we have put a robust technical and vocational education training programme in place, and we’ve seen millions of young Nigerians coming in.
“I am happy to report that we have the first squad of the one million target that we aim to train in the next two years. 250,000 are being trained now in a way that will equip them with practical skills, and when they are through, we will support them with a starter pack and low-interest loan.”
He also commended the club for honouring him as a member, and commended them for the recognition given to the political leader, a gesture he noted would ‘reinforce positive social norms, and inspire future leaders’ in nation-building.
In his remark, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, stressed that Nigeria has continued to progress under Tinubu’s administration, while urging the citizens to ignore those who were saying otherwise.
He encouraged young people to always see the positive side of the nation and tap into opportunities that can foster their growth.
The DG encouraged young persons to emulate the virtues of the honorary recipient in leadership, politics and community engagement.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Epe Club, Olayemi Dada, said the club has continued to provide support to indigent students and equipment to the health centres within the division.
He added that the celebration of the icon was aimed at celebrating individuals who have contributed to the growth of the club and the Epe community while they are still alive.
Dada said that the choice of Akanni for the honour was to recognise his commitment to community development, leadership acumen and his sacrifices to the growth of younger generations.
The highlight of the ceremony included the fundraising for the proposed ultra-modern Epe Club building.
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