The Ogun State government says its technical and vocational education curricular have been streamlined, to provide the required skilled manpower for industries, in order to sustain the leading position of the state as the industrial hub of Nigeria
The State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe made this known in Abeokuta during her meeting with the Special Adviser on Technical and Vocational Education, Professor Joseph Odemuyiwa
She stated that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration remains determined on addressing the shortage of skilled manpower and concerns on the employability of youths which had made some industries to source for skilled labour from foreign countries.
Longe said the streamlining would address shortage of skilled manpower and enhance the employability of the people noting that the quality of technical and vocational training which is also entrepreneurship focused would help those trained to start and grow their businesses.
She added that funding opportunities were available through the Ogun State Agricultural and Multipurpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA) and other lending opportunities in the State.
" With the streamlining of technical and vocational education in Ogun State we should be expecting an improved large pool of qualified workers especially blue-collar workers that would support and aid the growth of our industries. So industries no longer need to go outside of the shores of the State or the country to get quality man power," Longe said.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Remi Ogunmefun stated that the current education does not align with the industrial needs of the State calling for the adoption of the German Dual Vocational Training system in Ogun State.
In his address, Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education, Professor Joseph Odemuyiwa added that through the streamlining process, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology would train and certify trainees adding that the Ministry’s training would be based on demands by the industries.
Odemuyiwa added that the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board was interested in partnering with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure the demand for skilled labour in industries across the State were met assuring that there would be a comprehensive register of technical artisans trained and certified by the State.
He added that as part of steps taken to encourage the employment of technical artisans , there is currently a local content law before the State House of Assembly which would further aid the current efforts at improving technical and vocational education in the State.
In his contribution, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola called for a more co-ordinated approach among agencies working with artisans and technicians adding that it is time to improve on technical training in order to optimally utilise the industrial hub status of the state to help unemployed youths become gainfully employed.
Aikulola stated that his recent training by the German Agency for Development (GIZ) in Germany exposed him to a high level of technical and vocational education in the European country adding that there is the need for the replication of the German form of technical education in the State.
The Permanent Secretary called for long and short-term goals to be set towards improving technical education in the State stressing the need for a granulated curriculum review and action plan while working in partnership with Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) like Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and others in actualising set targets.
Other important personalities present at the meeting include the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) II to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Ladi Odujinrin and the Acting Executive Secretary, Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board, Mr. Akinleye Olubori.
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