By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Chisco Institute for Transportation Studies (CITS) Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) have commenced a fifteen week training for National Skills Qualification Quality Assurance Assessors (QAA).
More than 60 trainees who are majorly staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka are auditing the training program which is in phases with the first training period already commenced on 24th July and expected to wind off on August 4th 2023.
In an official ceremony held recently at the Chisco Institute for Transportation Studies Auditorium to declare the training open, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, emphasized that the global economy of the 21st century milieu is skills driven whereas persons without skills are mostly described as unemployable.
Esimone stated that the theme of training workshop “Skills Not Just Degrees” is apt and the realization of the overwhelming importance of skill acquisition led the institution with the financial intervention of the Chike Okoli Foundation to establish the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies offering courses in a wide array of skills from which candidates can make a choice with the intent being to make its graduands self-reliant by creating jobs instead of being job seekers.
The Vice-Chancellor observed that the relevance of skills and skill acquisition is not limited to what some may describe as crafts or lower level jobs but also quite germane in professions such as medicine, law, pharmacy, engineering, accountancy and other courses where through varying periods of tutelage, relevant skills are imparted to new entrants in the professions.
He commended the Director of CITS Dr Paul Chukwulozie for his innovation and doggedness in ensuring that such programs is held in the institution in line with the vision of ‘Project 200’.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Sir Iyke Odide commended UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor and the Director of Chisco Institute for Transportation Studies (CITS) for their visionary leadership and unwavering support that have propelled the University to greater heights.
The Chairman who was represented by Engr. Emmanuel Omenwa applauded the institute for nurturing young minds and fostering a culture of academic excellence, skill acquisition and personal growth.
In his address, the Director of Chisco Institute for Transportation Studies (CITS), Dr. Paul Chukwulozie Okolie informed that the trained and certified personnel are expected to join forces with the institute once the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) centre is domiciled in the institute which will act as a catalyst for skill training and not just degree knowing that skills are now the global currency for survival in the 21st century education and economy.
Okolie explained that the training is the first of its kind hosted by a University in the South East zone, if not Nigeria as a whole, and anchored by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The scholar expressed hope that more of similar training would continue to come to the University. He admonished the trainees to take the training serious as a lot of funds were spent to make the program a reality.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje said that the implementation of the Nigeria Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) which is mainly focused on training, assessment and certification of skills of individuals both in formal, informal and non-formal environments is long overdue.
The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Director of NBTE South East zone, Engr. Ngozi Okelekwe pointed out that skills is now the global currency for employment and NSQ certification is a game changer for Nigerian youths who can use it to practice their skills in various trade areas anywhere in the world.
He commended UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor for deploying resources to mount the QAA training geared towards producing qualified QAAs who will play key roles in the entire implementation of the Nigeria Skills Qualification.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh described the training of quality assurance assessors as a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards enhancing the quality and credibility of technical education in the country.
Prof. Chuma-Udeh who was represented by Lady Ngozi Enemuo averred that investing in the professional development of assessors will ensure that our education system adheres to the highest standards and remains competitive on the global stage.
Also Speaking, the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Aghamba stated that the trainings will help in inculcating skills in participants with the positive effect being increased productivity, self-reliance and competencies which are vital for economic growth and development of the nation in various sectors.
Hon. Aghamba who was represented by Chito Osili commended the institution’s management led by the Vice-Chancellor for his immense support towards the program, he also praised the CITS Director for his doggedness and dedication towards the success of the project.
Re-echoing the views of the various speakers, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment Programme, Dr. Nelson Omenugha stated that the present government under the leadership of H.E. Prof. Soludo considers the young people as the greatest resource and the present administration is committed to leveraging on sustainable initiatives and inclusive programmes that maximize their energies for collective social migration.
Dr Omenugha informed that investment in human capital development as a collective responsibility is key to fostering peace, security and development of the state.
Highpoints of the occasion was the unveiling of the training program module, introduction of facilitators and responses from the participants.
