Training
By Franca Ofili
The Federal Government says it would partner with Germany for an innovative dual vocational training programme aimed at empowering the youth to enhance skill development and equipped them for the job market.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday during a meeting with a delegation from the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Germany, led by its President, Dr. Matthias Leder.
Olawande said that the ministry’s was committed to creating an environment that empowers young people to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national progress.
He highlighted the ministry’s ambitious plan to equip seven million youth with critical skills over the next two years.
“The ministry is organising an intensive three-day skills programme across 50 revitalised Youth Centres, culminating in a central event.
“This initiative will not only enhance employability but also prepares our youth to excel in an increasingly competitive landscape,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Leder described the training system as a potential game-changer for Nigeria.
He emphasised that the IHK Giessen-Friedberg has successfully achieved numerous public objectives, particularly in the area of vocational training.
According to him, granting Nigerian chambers of commerce greater authority by making company membership mandatory would significantly enhance their ability to serve the public effectively.
“Dual Vocational Training can benefit both Nigeria and Germany. Nigeria faces high unemployment, while German companies are experiencing a shortage of workers.
” The idea is to invite young Nigerians to receive free vocational training in Germany.
“If they pass the required exams, they will receive numerous job offers from the companies where they are trained.
” This program also offers substantial advantages, as participants will gain internationally recognised qualifications and career opportunities,” he said.
Also, The Managing Partner and former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, emphasised that the meeting aimed to promote economic growth, expand trade, and create investment opportunities.
Mohammed said that the institution’s ongoing commitment to strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to him, this engagement is highly significant as it builds on a longstanding relationship that began in 2005, with the first visit to Nigeria occurring in 2011.
He added that in 2012, IHK Giessen-Friedberg initiated the Dual Vocational Education Project—a partnership designed to transfer key elements of Germany’s renowned dual vocational training system to Nigeria.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA