FG to start over 24 skills, innovation centres

The Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed plans to create 24 skills and innovation centres across the country.

The centres, which are to be set up by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) are aimed at assisting Nigerians to gain their potential and boost productivity.

Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, stated this in Abuja, when he paid a visit to the Innov8 Hub, along with critical stakeholders, including Arch. Sonny Echono, the executive secretary of TETfund.

Innov8 is a focal point for innovation start-up incubation, technology transfer, knowledge & skill impartation, prototype development and fabrication.

It would be recalled that TETFund is currently partnering with Innov8 Hub for practical training and mentorship for Nigerian youths and academics to produce employable graduates and boost research.

Speaking during the visit, Mammam said the plan to provide 24 skill centers across the country is to equal opportunities to all Nigerian children, wherever they are.

He also commended TETfund and the Innov8 Hub for supplying the learners and the researchers from Colleges of Education, Polytechnics and Universities the platform to undertake very practical, impactful research.

“Now, what I see here is enough to provide the knowledge incubation to take Nigeria to the highest level.

“What I have seeing here is a place that give hope to the young ones who have the ideas, who have a disposition to acquire the basic skills that they need to move on and have a decent, livelihood.

“What I have seen here is a major source of inspiration, and we are going to work with the sector as they are already doing with TETFund.

“We want to be grateful to TETfund for this relationship. This place is owned by a private person but working closely with one of the government agencies in the education sector that is supplying the learners and the researchers from Colleges of education, Polytechnics and universities to come here and undertake very practical impactful researchers,” the Minister said.

He, however, lamented that what was missing is the off takers, saying that the off takers are not doing their part.

Mammam therefore, promised that this time around the government will ensure to bridge the gap between researchers and the industries.

He said: ”I’m going to be the chief advocate in this regard. I’m going to bring in some of the big entrepreneurs to come and see this place and also ensure that some of our people in relevant ministry positions come here and see what this place is doing and the potential it provides to this country.

“We will also train our students and give them skills. We are going to work together to generate a lot of young Nigerians who are out there from IDPs and everywhere to give them the necessary trainings.”