Photo explanatory note: Participants in green are for web design while those in red are for cyber security.

The Federal Government’s Skills Upscaling Programme scheduled for the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education OSSAP-TVEE, commenced on Monday, June 30, with over 200 participants who physically register at the same venue.

The participants, selected from the six states of the North Central zone – Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kwara and Kogi – as well as the Federal Capital Territory FCT, are being trained in Cyber Security, Web Development and Solar Energy Installation. However, only Cyber security and Web Development participants began lectures while those of Solar Energy Installation will begin on July 14. The courses will run for two weeks in each case.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education SSAPTVEE, Dr. Abiola Arogundade, who welcomed the participants, emphasised that the programme was designed to empower the beneficiaries to make a living for themselves.

Dr. Arogundade encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, and to approach the training with dedication. “We will play our part as an office, but it is left to you to pay attention, because we will conduct a test after the training to ensure that you have learnt”, she stated.

Several participants who spoke to the media expressed excitement and appreciation for the initiative, commending the federal government for investing in youth development.

One of the participants, Mr. Ismail Lawanson, who registered for Web Development, shared his enthusiasm: “When I first received the call, I was like wow, at last, something good from government. I have some skills, but I want to upscale and be able to share my knowledge with others”.

He added, “In today’s Nigeria, it is essential for every youth to have a skill. Even in countries we migrate to, you need skill alongside your education to survive. So, this is a great opportunity”.

For Goodness Onyenakazi, a Cyber Security trainee, “I was impressed when I heard about the programme. I have very little knowledge of Cybersecurity and I am eager to deepen my understanding.  The registration was so seamless, and the organization was top notch. That gives me high hopes for the training”.

Although this is her first time attending an OSSAPTVEE programme, she said she has been following Dr. Arogundade on her Instagram and is familiar with her initiatives.

Another participant, Ekuche Philia Sunday, selected for the Solar Installation training, said he had low expectations when he applied, but was thrilled when he received the confirmation call, “I am very happy, this is a chance to grow my skill”, he said.

 Ayuba Sahad Nayaya, another Cybersecurity participant, explained that he found the registration link on social media and was confident that it was authentic due to his computer literacy. Nayaya, who also runs a cosmetics business, praised the programme as another commendable effort by the federal government to empower youths. 

Highlight of the first week of the programme was the gifting of the more than 200 participants with one laptop each.  The laptops were personally handed to each participant by the SSAP-TVEE.

At the handover ceremony, done in the lecture halls, Dr. Arogundade, who stated that the gift was one of the many ways President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working to reduce youth unemployment and reduce poverty in the country, urged the participants to used them to better their lives after the training.

The Abuja leg of the Skills Upscaling Programme is part of the broader Special Skills Upscaling Programme which aims to train over 1,800 beneficiaries across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The focus is on high-demand sectors, including Fashion Design/Beauty & Cosmetology, Cybersecurity, Solar energy installation, Web-design, and Digital literacy.

For this nationwide initiative, six states are chosen as centres for the geopolitical zones. They include Adamawa State, for North East zone, Ondo State for South West Zone, Abuja FCT for North Central Zone, Kebbi State for North West Zone, Delta State for South-South Zone, and Anambra State for South East Zone.