It was a memorable occasion for the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), as its Business Education Services and Training (BEST) Unit celebrated the second graduation ceremony of the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) training programme.
A total number of 31 young graduating students, who distinguished themselves in the SKYE training programme, became the centre of attraction at the glamorous convocation.
SKYE is a dual vocational and competence-based training programme, where all learners are required to undergo a total of 12 months of learning in an alternation of one month in a training centre, workshop and one month in a workplace.
The idea behind this system is to ensure the creation of competencies fit to meet the skill needs of the labour market. It is being executed as a National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) programme and certified by the National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB).
The LCCI, in partnership with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), to implement the SKYE training programme in three different professions and it commenced in June 2023.
These professions are Office Administration (OA), Industrial Electronics Maintenance (IEM), and Industrial Machinery Mechanic & Fitter (IMMF).
Speaking at the convocation, the Director-General of the LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, who was represented by the Director of Research and Advocacy, Dr. Sunnie Omeiza emphasised the importance of skills development programmes that are targeted at ensuring that the youths are employed and independent, thereby leading to a thriving economy and prosperous nation.
On his part, the President of LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa encouraged organisations represented at the event to welcome the graduating students into their employ, saying the chamber continues to lead the drive for youth development and empowerment by promoting entrepreneurship development towards economic prosperity for all.
The Vice President of the LCCI and Chairperson of BEST, Princess Funlayo Bakare-Okeowo, called on parents, guardians and concerned citizens to encourage youths to enrol and participate in technical and vocational training programmes such as SKYE so that Nigeria would have more youths, who are not only skilful, but also employable.
The event afforded participants an opportunity to display their training products and learned skills to the audience’s admiration.
Meanwhile, the Director of the BEST, Dr. Taiwo Nolas-Alausa, had informed that plans were ongoing for the commencement of the next phase of the SKYE training programme.
Participants at the empowerment scheme expressed their excitement and optimism about their future, having been inducted into the labour market with the developed professional skills in line with industry standards.
Dignitaries present at the event were the first female Nigerian Chartered Engineer and Honorary life Vice President of the LCCI, Engr. (Mrs.) Olu Maduka; Vice Chairman BEST Board, Mr. Emmanuel Dangana; Professor of Chemical Engineering, Sam Adefila; Baale of Alayabiagba Town, Baale Dr. Adeshina Ojora; Vice Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun Revenue Board, Hon. Lekan Akindipe; representative of NASCON Allied Industries, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Eyitayo Adewunmi; and Managing Director, Yustech Mechanical, Mr. Muhammed Bolaji; amongst others, alongside the various partner organisations.
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