By THE Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, witnessed a momentous occasion recently as the Principal and Chief Executive, Engr. Dr Samuel Onoji, officially kicked off the Federal Government’s Technical Vocational Education and Training (FGN-TVET) Skills Training and National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Certification Programme.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Institute’s main auditorium, drew the attendance of the Institute’s top management team, industry leaders, staff, students, and other stakeholders from the technical education sector.
The event marked a major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen Nigeria’s technical education and skill development framework.
In his keynote address, Engr. Dr Onoji underscored the importance of hands-on technical training in today’s highly competitive global economy.
“We are at a pivotal moment where technical skills are the lifeblood of the oil and gas sector, and our commitment at PTI is to ensure that our graduates are industry-ready,” he stated.
He explained that the FGN-TVET Skills Training and NSQ Certification Programme would benefit thousands of young Nigerians by providing them with essential vocational and technical skills through a structured and standardised framework. The NSQ certification, he added, would serve as a reliable measure of competence, improving the employability and global competitiveness of participants.
Dr Onoji further stressed the need for technical and vocational education to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“This initiative is crucial for equipping our youth with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market. The FGN-TVET programme aligns with our commitment to fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet both local and international demands,” he said.
The FGN-TVET programme, launched by the Federal Government, is designed to upgrade the skills of Nigerian youths through specialised training across various fields of study while facilitating the attainment of National Skills Qualification certifications. The initiative complements PTI’s mission of advancing quality technical education and producing professionals capable of meeting the evolving needs of the oil and gas industry and other related sectors.
Speaking further, Dr Onoji highlighted the crucial collaboration between the Petroleum Training Institute and its industry partners, noting that such partnerships would ensure that the training offered remains relevant and responsive to current market demands.
“By working closely with industry stakeholders, we can ensure that our training is relevant and aligned with market needs,” he added.
The flag-off ceremony featured live demonstrations of various skills training modules as well as inspiring testimonies from former PTI graduates who have benefited from the Institute’s vocational programmes. The audience applauded PTI’s efforts to continuously upgrade its facilities and curriculum to include modern technologies and innovative teaching methods designed to meet contemporary industry standards.
As the programme gets underway, PTI plans to collaborate closely with local businesses and community stakeholders to ensure that the training it provides meets the dynamic requirements of the job market. This initiative, according to Dr Onoji, not only strengthens PTI’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading centre for technical and vocational training but also represents a renewed national commitment to skill development, job creation, and economic growth.
With the overarching goal of reducing unemployment and empowering Nigerian youths, the FGN-TVET Skills Training and NSQ Certification Programme stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of young people eager to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy. The Petroleum Training Institute, with its decades-long expertise and global reputation, is well positioned to play a central role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s skilled workforce.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages and presentations from key officials, including the Institute’s Registrar, Mr Isaac Fregen, who reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting vocational training and enhancing employability among young Nigerians. Participants were briefed on the wide range of training modules available, covering fields such as welding, instrumentation, mechanical maintenance, and other critical technical disciplines.
Students and aspiring trainees in attendance expressed excitement about the programme, describing it as a life-changing opportunity to gain practical skills and certifications that would enhance their career prospects both locally and internationally.
The launch of the FGN-TVET Skills Training and NSQ Certification Programme at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, represents a crucial step towards bridging the skills gap in Nigeria’s workforce. It also reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, and dynamic economy driven by a skilled and empowered youth population.
What's your reaction?
