The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, on Tuesday, said polytechnics and technical colleges in the country will engage in the training of more welders to address skill gaps.
He also noted that the Federal Government had already agreed to convert conventional secondary schools and science-based public institutions in the country to full technical colleges in a bid to address the skill gaps in the country.
Bugaje, who spoke during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with WhiteCloud TVET Solutions Limited at the NBTE’s liaison office, noted that more colleges of technology would be established in the coming years.
“In the area of training in welding, welding skill is one of the topmost 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 that Nigerian polytechnics and even technical colleges could engage in so that we can bridge those gaps within the country and probably 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 that had been introduced by WhiteCloud would reduce the cost of training welders in TVET institutions.
Speaking on behalf of WhiteCloud, Oluranti Netufo, appreciated the NBTE for keying into the adoption of a new technology for the welding training in polytechnics and technical colleges.
He noted that the collaboration would give positive feedback on the industrial landscape, bridge skills gap and drive innovation.
