The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, said on Tuesday that polytechnics and technical colleges in the country will engage in the training of more welders to address the skills gap.
He also noted that the Federal Government has already agreed to convert conventional secondary schools and science-based public institutions into full technical colleges in a bid to address the skills gap in the country.
Bugaje, who spoke during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with WhiteCloud TVET Solutions Limited at the Board’s liaison office, noted that more colleges of technology would be established in the coming years.
He said, “In the area of training in welding, welding skills are some of the most valued skills globally. Today, all over the world, welders are earning very well. Nigeria also imports welders for most of its major infrastructure projects.
“Welding is, therefore, a very critical area where Nigerian polytechnics and even technical colleges could engage in the training of young people so that we can bridge these gaps within the country, and possibly Nigeria will even be able to export welders, welding technicians, and skilled workers across the globe. But as you are aware, welding is also a very expensive course or training to undertake.”
Speaking on the aim of the MOU, Bugaje noted that a new technology introduced by WhiteCloud will reduce the cost of training welders in TVET institutions.
He said, “It will reduce the cost of consumables in training. It will also ensure that students have proper hands-on experience, building their confidence in welding and welding technology.”
“Also, welding technology will be introduced at the technical college level because it is going to catch them young.”
Speaking on behalf of WhiteCloud, the president, Oluranti Netufo, expressed appreciation to the NBTE for keying into the adoption of new technology for welding training in polytechnics and technical colleges.
He noted that the collaboration will provide positive feedback for the industrial landscape, bridge the skills gap, and drive innovation.
