The Nigerian Ministry of Steel Development has introduced a three-phase Welding Boot Camp Training Programme designed to equip young individuals with essential welding skills and technical knowledge, empowering them to contribute to the nation’s industrial growth.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, made this known on Thursday during the flag-off of the first batch of the ministry’s Boot-Camp Training Programme for Nigerian youths in Onitsha, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria.
He stated that “The initiative marks a significant step in the Ministry’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce, fostering industrial growth, and promoting sustainable development within Nigeria’s metallurgical and steel sector.”
Dr Isokpunwu further noted that under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Prince Shaiubu Abubakar Audu, the ministry “Has taken deliberate steps to reposition the steel and metals industry as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic transformation.”
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that “The Ministry recognises that achieving this goal requires not only infrastructural investments but also the empowerment of human capital—hence the need for this intensive boot camp training.”
He explained that the programme is designed to equip selected participants with hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and industry insights essential for advancing Nigeria’s metallurgical sector.
According to him, participants will undergo rigorous training in welding and fabrication, industrial foundry and metallurgy, as well as instrumentation, system control, and mechanical maintenance.
He highlighted that the objective is to bridge skill gaps, promote innovation, and enhance the employability of Nigerian youths within the steel sector.
Emphasising the importance of the training, Dr Isokpunwu stated: “The boot-camp is not just about learning; it is about discipline, resilience, and teamwork. I must emphasise that all participants are expected to adhere strictly to the laid-down rules and guidelines.”
The Ministry of Steel Development has made provisions for accommodation, feeding, and starter packs for all trainees. However, Dr Isokpunwu warned that any form of misconduct—including indiscipline, violation of safety regulations, or engagement in prohibited activities such as drug use or possession of weapons—would result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of benefits.
Expressing satisfaction that the participants arrived early at the camp, the Permanent Secretary urged them to seize the opportunity to position themselves as future leaders in the steel and metallurgical sector.
“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.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel, Distinguished Senator Patrick Ndubueze, expressed his pleasure at being part of the landmark event, which aims to empower Nigeria’s teeming youth with extensive skills training in welding and fabrication, industrial foundry/metallurgy, and instrumentation/control system and mechanical maintenance.
Represented by Mr Greg Owurmanam, Senator Ndubueze commended the Ministry of Steel Development and all relevant agencies that contributed to the success of the Boot Camp Training Programme. He urged participants to give maximum attention and cooperate with trainers to acquire the skills and knowledge designed for the programme.
Earlier, the Director of Metallurgical Inspectorate, Engr Frederick E. Ewa, provided an overview of the Metal Sector Boot Camp Training Programme, describing it as a strategic initiative championed by the Ministry of Steel Development 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 explained that the Boot-Camp Training Programme is an intensive, hands-on technical training designed to equip participants with critical skills in three specialised areas:
- Welding and Fabrication
- Industrial Foundry and Metallurgy
- Instrumentation, System Control, and Mechanical Maintenance
He noted that throughout the training, participants would engage in real-world practical sessions, learn industry best practices, and adhere to essential safety protocols to ensure high-quality output in the metallurgical sector.
Encouraging trainees to be fully engaged, Mr Ewa cautioned that misconduct of any kind would not be tolerated.
Also speaking, the Director/Acting Chief Executive of the Metallurgical Training Institute (MTI), Onitsha, Dr F. U. Obi, described the training as a bold and strategic effort by the Ministry to equip young Nigerians with high-demand technical skills essential for the nation’s industrial growth.
He noted that the Boot Camp is not just about training but also aims to build the next generation of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs who will drive Nigeria’s steel and manufacturing industries forward.
According to Engr Obi, the choice of the Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha, as the venue for the boot camp was deliberate, as the MTI has been at the forefront of technical and vocational education in Nigeria for decades, producing skilled professionals who have made significant contributions to the steel industry.
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