Technical and Vocational Skills Training is Essential for Socio-Economic Development – Dr. Yerima
By Hassan Danladi Idris
The Provost of the Minna Institute of Technology and Innovation, Engr. Dr. Mohammed Liman Yarima, recently asserted the institute’s commitment to promoting and encouraging skills development in Niger State.
In an interview with a correspondent from the Nigeria Daily Post in Minna, Dr. Yarima emphasized that technical and vocational skills training is vital for fostering socio-economic development.
He highlighted that skills development is a core element of developmental initiatives and mentioned that the institute is taking significant steps to ensure a skilled workforce in the state. These efforts include implementing various programs aimed at training the youth of Niger.
Dr. Yarima pointed out that there are numerous ongoing programs designed to equip young people in the state with skills for self-reliance across various fields such as software and hardware engineering, building technology, carpentry, tailoring, and cosmetics.
The Provost assured the people of Niger State that the institute would continue to make substantial progress in its skills training initiatives.
“We have a clear agenda to strengthen this institute, and one of our key objectives is to raise awareness about our programs. We will begin courtesy visits to several media houses to inform our youth about the opportunities available,” he stated.
Engineer Liman also highlighted that the institute is licensed by the National Board for Technical Education under the Federal Ministry of Education, offering a recognized certificate for the National Innovative Diploma. He noted that there are only five government-owned technical institutes in Nigeria, including the Minna Institute.
Additionally, he mentioned that the institute has three centers located in Kontagora, Bida, and New Bussa, all staffed by well-trained personnel.
Many graduates from the institute have continued their studies at the Federal University of Technology Minna and other universities nationwide, with some securing employment in major industries.
Furthermore, the Provost noted that the institute has attracted interest from various organizations seeking to collaborate on youth training.
These organizations include the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, the National Directorate of Employment, the Industrial Training Fund, HYPPADEC, and several politicians.
