The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to equip youths with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship, particularly in the steel and industrial sectors.
The Ministry of Steel Development announced the launch of a three-batch comprehensive Boot Camp Training Programme on Welding, aimed at providing young individuals with practical skills and technical knowledge essential for contributing to the nation’s industrial growth.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the first batch in Onitsha, Anambra State, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, emphasized that the initiative represents a crucial step in developing a skilled workforce, fostering industrial expansion, and promoting sustainable development within Nigeria’s metallurgical and steel sector.
He said that the Steel Development Ministry, “under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Prince Shaiubu Abubakar Audu, has taken deliberate steps to reposition the steel and metals industry as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic transformation.”
The Nigerian Steel Development Ministry’s Permanent Secretary also stated that “the Ministry recognises that achieving the goal requires not only infrastructural investments but also the empowerment of human capital—hence the need for this intensive bootcamp training.”
Dr. Chris revealed the programme is designed to equip selected participants with hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and industry insights crucial for advancing the Nigerian metallurgical landscape.
According to him, the participants will undergo rigorous training in welding and fabrication, industrial foundry and metallurgy, instrumentation, system control, and mechanical maintenance.
He noted that the objective is to bridge skill gaps, promote innovation, and enhance the employability of the nation’s youths within the steel critical sector.
Harping on the importance of the training, he said that the “bootcamp is not just about learning; it is about discipline, resilience, and teamwork. I must emphasize that all participants are expected to adhere strictly to the laid-down rules and guidelines.”
The Steel Development Ministry has made provisions for accommodation, feeding, and starter packs for all trainees, he said.
However, any form of misconduct—including indiscipline, violation of safety regulations, or engagement in prohibited activities such as drug use or possession of weapons—will result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of benefits.
The permanent secretary expressed pleasure that the participants arrived early for the camp, enabling them to settle in and prepare for the rigorous and impactful training ahead. He admonished them to use the opportunity to position themselves as future leaders in the steel and metallurgical sectors.
“I urge you to embrace this training with enthusiasm, remain focused, and take full advantage of the knowledge and experience that will be shared with you,“ he added.
Speaking, Chairman, Senate Committee on Steel, Distinguished Senator Patrick Ndubueze, stated that he was pleased to be part of the epoch-making event, which is geared towards empowering the nations teeming youths to be self-reliant by acquiring extensive skills training in welding and fabrication, industrial foundry/metallurgy, instrumentation/control systems, and mechanical maintenance.
Represented by Mr. Greg Owurmanam, Senator Ndubueze commended the Ministry of Steel Development and all relevant agencies who have contributed to the success of the bootcamp training and enjoined the participants to give maximum attention and cooperate with the trainers to acquire the expected knowledge and skills designed for the programme.
Earlier, Director Metallurgical Inspectorate, Engr. Frederick E.Ewa, giving the Overview of the Metal Sector Boot-Camp Training Programme, stated that the initiative, championed by the Ministry of Steel Development, is a strategic effort to empower young Nigerians with hands-on technical skills, foster industrial growth, and bridge the manpower gap in the nation’s steel sector.
Mr. Ewa stated that the Bootcamp Training Programme is an intensive, hands-on technical training aimed at equipping participants with critical skills in three specialized areas:
Welding and Fabrication; Industrial Foundry and Metallurgy Instrumentation, System Control, and Mechanical Maintenance.
He noted that over the course of training, participants will be exposed to real-world practical sessions, industry best practices, and safety protocols, all of which, according to him, are essential to ensuring high-quality output in the metallurgical sector.
Mr. Ewa encouraged trainees to be fully engaged in every session and abide by all rules and regulations, as misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated.
Also speaking, the Director/Ag. Chief Executive, Metallurgical Training Institute (MTI), Onitsha, Dr. F.U. Obi, said the training represented a bold and strategic effort by the Ministry to equip young Nigerians with high-demand technical skills that are essential for the nation’s industrial growth.
He added that the bootcamp is not just for training but intended to build the next generation of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs who will drive the nation’s steel and manufacturing industries forward.
According to Engr. Obi, the choice of Metallurgical Training Institute Onitsha as venue for the bootcamp was deliberate. For decades, he noted, the MTI has been at the forefront of technical and vocational education in Nigeria, producing skilled professionals who have made remarkable contributions to the steel industry.
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