Uzodimma Commends NASENI as Agency Commissions Skills Acquisition Centre in Imo

By Maryam Aminu

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has commended the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for expanding access to technology-driven vocational training with the commissioning of a Skills Acquisition Centre in Owerri North Local Government Area.

The centre, established under the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) in partnership with the senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, is aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills to promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance and job creation.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Uzodimma described the project as a strategic investment in youth empowerment and economic development, noting that technology remains critical to Nigeria’s economic growth.

He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by providing young people with marketable skills capable of creating sustainable livelihoods.

“This is not about giving people fish; it is about teaching them how to fish,” the governor said, urging that graduates of the centre should be supported with start-up capital to enable them establish businesses and create employment opportunities.

Uzodimma also praised NASENI’s contributions to development in Imo State and appealed to the host community and stakeholders to safeguard the facility for future generations.

In his remarks, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described the project as part of the agency’s commitment to developing the skilled workforce needed to drive Nigeria’s industrialisation.

According to him, the centre will provide training in high-demand areas including solar installation and maintenance, graphic design and printing, phone repair, fisheries and aquaculture, among other vocational and technology-based disciplines.

“The commissioning of this centre is not merely the opening of another facility. It is the opening of opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire practical skills that solve real problems, create businesses and generate employment,” Halilu said.

He added that the project aligns with NASENI’s strategic focus on creation, collaboration and commercialisation aimed at strengthening local innovation, expanding indigenous capacity and reducing dependence on imported technologies.

Halilu also commended Senator Onyewuchi for partnering with the agency to deliver the project.

Speaking at the event, Onyewuchi said the centre was established to address youth unemployment through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. He disclosed that beneficiaries would receive support to establish small businesses after completing their training, enabling them to become employers of labour.

NASENI said the Skills Acquisition Centre underscores its commitment to empowering Nigerians through practical skills development, innovation and workforce capacity building under the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme.