VOCATIONAL EFFICIENCY: Prof. Odemuyiwa advices technicians, artisans to upgrade their skills. 

 

By Taofeek Ahmed, (Press Officer, OGUNTVET)

The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Professor Joseph Odemuyiwa, has called on all the technicians and artisans in the state to keep on upgrading their skills to enable them be efficient and relevant in this age of advancement in technology.

He gave the advise in his office, while receiving the executive members of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, Welders Association, BI Zone, Sango and the Association of Tillers and Terrazzo.

According to him, that was how their vocations could be financially viable.

Odemuyiwa pointed out that Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration valued the contributions of technicians and artisans in the execution of standard projects, while assuring that it would continue to provide an enabling environment for them to thrive.

He also told them about the State government's readiness to link them with industries and use their various workshops for short-term practical trainings for school leavers and youths.

Prof. Odemuyiwa added that they need to unlearn certain things that were not profitable to their trade, as new technologies are driving away old ways of doing things.

    His words: “This government appreciates your roles in the society and you are key stakeholders in our quest to arrest unemployment. I am advising you that there is a need for you to upgrade your skills because most of your experiences are not tenable for the modern time’’.

      He urged the associations to ensure they register and be bonafide members of their umbrella bodies, to enjoy more benefits from the government; including government-recognised certification, and linkage to industries, among others.

On his part, the Acting Rector, Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute (GIPI), Oni, Dr. Ladi Alebiosu, lauded the government for according TVET the needed attention.

He pointed out that the institution was willing to collaborate with the State on training, as well as upgrading technicians and artisans across the State.

Speaking on behalf of the Associations, Messrs Omotayo Lamidi, Babajide Joseph and Adeleye Monsuru, commended the efforts of the Special Adviser and other relevant agencies for their support in improving the knowledge-based skills of artisans.