The Team Lead of N-Power, Mr Nsikak Okon, has revealed that 40,000 youths are presently undergoing different forms of training in N-Build Batch C Stream 2 of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) being overseen by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
In an exclusive interview with Blueprint in Abuja, Tuesday, Okon revealed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved some Sector Skills Councils and partners in the N-Build programme for better implementation and training of the non graduate youths on automobile repairs, carpentry, electrical installations, masonry, plumbing, pipefitting, hospitality, among others.
He said: “There are currently 40,000 trainees in the N-Build Batch C2 training across 1,300 training centres in the 36 States and FCT. The trainees are trained in trades such as automobile repairs, agric tech, carpentry and joinery, electrical installations, masonry, plumbing and pipefitting, hospitality (cooking and catering, baking and confectionery, housekeeping).
“The presence of a well-trained and highly skilled youth population in any economy has a direct impact on productivity and wealth creation, which in turn leads to a decline in unemployment. If Nigeria is to fully maximize the use of her human capital coupled with our abundance of natural resources, and realize its position as a strong emerging economy as evidenced in China, Malaysia, India and Brazil, it must pay attention to the competency and entrepreneurial development of its people. The young people of Nigeria must have access to relevant, up to date and quality competency based training that harnesses their skills and prepares them for the labour market.
“The N-Power Non-Graduate Program is the Federal Government of Nigeria’s direct intervention to reduce unemployment by building a highly competent and skilled workforce of technicians, artisans and service professionals.
“This will be achieved through accelerated training and certification programs that engage and train selected Nigerian youth. In the effort to revive the economy, these blue collar professionals will be provided with the tool sets to add value to their respective sectors. The main goal of the N-Power non graduate program is to train 100,000 people, which has now been surpassed.
“In addition to the primary objective, this program aims at improving the livelihood of a critical mass amount of young and unemployed Nigerians, their dependents and enabling them to participate in economic activities. Each of the trainees is paid a monthly stipend of N10,000. Trainees are provided with training kits called Starter Packs.
“These trainees spend the income by engaging in economic activities in their communities leading to a direct growth of their local economy. This program aims to build competence and capacity in highly demanded technical and vocational skills including; Automobile, Agric. Tech, Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical Installation, Hospitality, Masonry & Tiling, Plumbing & Pipefitting.”
He added: “The Sector Skills Councils (ITF, NITT and ITPN) are the standard bearers of the N-Build programme. These bodies are major stakeholders in their sectors. In partnering with these sector skills councils, the N-Build programme can be better implemented. They were approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Their roles include implementation plan, master trainer, train the other trainers, oversight and monitoring and database registration.
“To participate in the N-Power non graduate program, trainees need to meet certain criteria. All trainees must be aged between 18 and 35. Although it is a non graduate program, graduates too can apply. The pre-selected trainees are mandated to have at least a Senior Secondary certificate Exam Certificate. To ensure that only unemployed individuals do benefit from the program, pre-selected trainees were required to declare their employment status.
“Once active in the program, the successful trainees are deployed to recognized organizations to perfect their trades. Outstanding trainees would secure full employment from this avenue. The trainees receive a monthly stipend of N10,000 for a year based on both attendance and conduct.
“Each trainee will be equipped with life-long skills, which as mentioned will be imparted in them over a 9-month period (3 months in-centre training and 6 months apprenticeship with relevant industry employers). With the toolkits and training the trainees would receive, they will be able to earn for themselves as well as impact their local economies and improve the knowledge and skills capacity in the country as a whole.
“Each trainee should use this opportunity provided by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Honorable Minister, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq as a lever that can catapult them into greater heights. They should re-orient themselves and make use of the skills, toolkits and starter packs to earn a living for themselves and become a beacon of hope as envisioned by President Muhammad Buhari’s administration.”
