Training centres participating in the Federal Ministry of Education Technical and Vocational Education and Training, FME-TVET, programme have continued the rollout of Cohort 2 across different parts of Nigeria as preparations intensify for full training activities expected to begin in June at some centres.
At the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, Delta State, the second cohort of the FME-TVET Skills Acquisition Training Programme was formally flagged off during an induction ceremony held at the institute’s conference centre.
The flag-off comes as more accredited training centres under the FME-TVET initiative begin onboarding trainees for the next phase of the Federal Government-backed technical and vocational training programme aimed at reducing unemployment and improving practical workforce skills among Nigerian youths.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Engr. Samuel Onoji, described the programme as another major milestone in the institute’s commitment to skills development and youth empowerment.
According to him, the initiative was designed to expose trainees to structured practical training, workplace ethics, safety standards, assessment procedures and quality assurance systems required in modern industries.
He explained that the programme seeks to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, occupational competence and the right attitude needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
Onoji noted that the programme also forms part of ongoing efforts to reduce unemployment by empowering youths with hands-on skills capable of creating economic value within their communities and across the country.
He stressed that the labour market now places more value on competence and practical ability than certificates alone.
“Industries and employers are increasingly looking for individuals who can solve problems, safely operate tools and equipment, work collaboratively and deliver quality services,” he said.
The PTI boss further described the programme as part of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the Federal Ministry of Education to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training as a major driver of youth empowerment, job creation and national development.
He reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to competency-based education and practical training for the oil and gas industry and related sectors.
Onoji also disclosed that the institute had successfully completed the training of the first cohort of 200 trainees under the FME-TVET programme, a development that contributed to PTI’s upgrade to a Grade A Training Centre.
According to him, the upgrade reflects the institute’s quality facilities, training delivery capacity and commitment to national standards.
He urged trainees to see themselves as ambassadors of PTI and future contributors to national development.
Also speaking during the event, the Registrar and Secretary to Council of the institute, Mr. Isaac Fregene, described the FME-TVET programme as a transformative initiative strategically designed to address unemployment in the country.
Fregene said the training programme remains a timely intervention aimed at bridging skill gaps and accelerating national development.
“Skill is the new currency of national prosperity,” he stated.
He added that the institute remains committed to producing job creators rather than job seekers.
In her remarks, the Acting Chief Coordinator of the Skills Development Academy, SDA, Mrs. Susan E. Oyeleye, said skilled individuals and entrepreneurs remain critical drivers of economic growth and future development.
She noted that people with skills and entrepreneurial spirit often identify opportunities where others see problems.
Oyeleye encouraged trainees not to give up, stressing that the flag-off ceremony marked the beginning of their future success and growth.
“The path to success may sometimes be difficult, but with perseverance, there is always light at the end of the tunnel,” she advised.
Also speaking, Engr. Dr. Abubakar Edicha, Centre Coordinator of the National Skills Qualification Department, NSQD, said trainees in the second cohort would be equipped across 16 identified technical skill areas aimed at helping to bridge the unemployment gap in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
Meanwhile, TVET training centres in Anambra State have also commenced Cohort 2 activities, while some centres have confirmed to trainees that full training sessions will officially begin in June.
