By Esther Olaoluwa |
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commissioned a Skills Acquisition Centre in Imo State as part of efforts to expand access to technical and vocational training, promote youth empowerment, and support Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.
The state-of-the-art facility, located in Owerri North Local Government Area, was inaugurated under the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) in collaboration with the Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi.
The centre is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills that promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance and job creation, while supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on economic growth and digital transformation.
Centre to Equip Youth with Practical Skills
According to NASENI, the Skills Acquisition Centre will provide training in high-demand vocational and technology-driven fields, including solar installation and maintenance, graphic design and printing, phone repair, fisheries and aquaculture, among other areas aligned with current labour market needs.
The agency said the initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by equipping young people with practical skills that can enable them to establish businesses or secure meaningful employment.
Uzodimma Commends NASENI Initiative
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, described the project as a strategic investment in youth empowerment and economic development.
He said technology remains central to Nigeria’s economic prosperity and commended NASENI for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through initiatives that empower citizens with practical skills.
According to the governor, the centre goes beyond skills acquisition by creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
“This is not about giving people fish; it is about teaching them how to fish,” Uzodimma said.
He also called for graduates of the programme to receive start-up support to establish businesses capable of creating employment for others.
The governor further urged the host community and other stakeholders to protect the facility, describing it as an important public asset that should serve future generations.
NASENI Says Human Capital Drives Industrialisation
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the Skills Acquisition Centre demonstrates the agency’s commitment to developing the human capital required to drive Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
He explained that the project reflects NASENI’s belief that industrialisation begins with investing in people through practical skills development.
“The commissioning of this centre is not merely the opening of another facility. It is the opening of opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire practical skills that solve real problems, create businesses and generate employment. At NASENI, we believe our greatest investment is in the talent of our people,” Halilu said.
He added that the initiative aligns with the agency’s strategic focus on creation, collaboration and commercialisation, which seeks to strengthen innovation ecosystems, build local capacity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported technologies.
Halilu also commended Senator Onyewuchi for partnering with NASENI to deliver the project.
Partnership Targets Youth Employment
Senator Onyewuchi said the centre was established to address youth unemployment by providing practical skills and entrepreneurship training.
He disclosed that beneficiaries would receive support after completing their training to enable them establish small businesses and become employers of labour rather than job seekers.
According to him, the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through skills development and enterprise creation.
Supporting Nigeria’s Industrial Growth
NASENI said the commissioning of the Skills Acquisition Centre reinforces its commitment to empowering Nigerians through practical skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship under the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme.
The agency noted that the initiative is expected to strengthen local capacity, support industrial growth and contribute to building a skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s economic transformation.
It added that the programme will also promote collaboration with development partners and other stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the initiative and provide continued support for trainees through mentorship, start-up assistance and other empowerment opportunities.
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