In a landmark collaboration aimed at redefining vocational education, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the Science Technical Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB) have launched an ambitious hands-on technical training initiative designed to turn students into skilled professionals ready to meet industry demands.
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The Hon. Commissioner for Works, Engr. Gerald Otiji, during a strategy session with STVSMB Chair Dr. Amaka Ngene, the initiative promises to bridge the long-standing gap between theoretical instruction and practical execution. Students won’t just observe—they’ll build, wire, install, and innovate under real-world conditions.
“These students will be active contributors on construction sites,” Engr. Otiji said. “They’ll gain hard skills—not just certificates. This is the kind of training that produces professionals, not job seekers.”
A key feature of the program includes **stipends for participating students**, scaled according to their contributions and competencies—an effort to motivate youth while providing financial support during training.
Dr. Ngene emphasized that the program aligns with the state’s broader mission to **eradicate poverty through skill empowerment**. Drawing inspiration from Germany’s dual vocational system, the revamped three-year curriculum puts students through a rigorous mix of classroom learning and on-site apprenticeships. By their final year, students will spend 70% of their time in real job settings.
“This is not business as usual,” Dr. Ngene declared. “We are ending the cycle of graduates without direction. These are carpenters, masons, electricians, and surveyors who can hit the ground running—no retraining needed.”
The Ministry’s network of over 2,000 contractors will serve as training grounds, offering NYSC and industrial training students broad exposure across construction projects such as roads, hospitals, schools, and airports.
In a surprising yet inspiring twist, faith-based professionals Reverend Fathers and Sisters are also playing a growing role in this movement, contributing their skills and discipline to the evolving technical education space.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s industrial past, Otiji expressed hope that the initiative will restore the prestige and effectiveness of vocational training, once upheld by institutions like Anamco and Ajaokuta Steel.
“This is more than building roads,” he said. “It’s about building people equipping our youth with the skills, mindset, and tools to transform their future and our nation.”
Present in the meeting includes,
Barr Princess Ebere Nnaji
Engr Anyaora Okereke
Engr Obiora Chime
Dr Engr Augustine Odoh
Arc Chinedu Chukwuali
Nwoga Brown O. JP
Edeh Martin C
Rev Sis Chinyere Dinwoke
Helen Okanya
Ngozi Ngene
PRO, MOW & I
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