From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago has donated a sum of N10 million
as start-up packs to the graduates of Scientific Equipment Development Institute SEDI, vocational training program.
The Governor made the donation when the management of the Scientific Equipment Development Institute SEDI Minna presented graduates of its pilot scheme vocational training at the Government House, Minna.
He appreciated the efforts of SEDI in promoting local production promised to ensure the programme is sustained and the number of graduates increases to 400 annually. He suggested that skills acquisition programme be organized for the State Executive Council members.
Bago underscored the importance of acquiring skills especially among the youth, said it was on that basis the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education was directed to include vocational training in the schools.
The Managing Director SEDI, Prof. Muhammad Ndaliman who appreciated the governor, said the vocational training started with trainees from Minna and environs who were nominated by Community leaders.
Prof. Ndaliman said 65 people mostly youths, were trained in various fields and assessed through examinations adding that those who stood out were rewarded with tools.
He said the scheme started with five different areas and are already expanding, while plans are underway in the coming months to sponsor youth from across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State who will be on school vacation.