A private-sector engineering firm has begun constructing a €3 million Technical, Vocational, and Educational Training Centre in Ogun State to strengthen Nigeria's technical manpower, especially in the electricity sector. The project, funded through an African Union skills initiative, aims to close long-standing capacity gaps in fields critical to economic development.
At the groundbreaking event, a presidential adviser described the centre as a model for private-sector-driven skills expansion in areas facing manpower shortages, including smart metering, electrical maintenance, renewable energy systems, and electrotechnology safety. He noted that the initiative aligns with national efforts to build a technologically competent workforce and reduce reliance on foreign artisans.
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Development partners said the institution would become a transformational hub for vocational education, providing young Africans with employable skills that support renewable energy adoption and strengthen regional competitiveness. The centre will run modern curricula aligned with national standards and offer scholarships to ensure broad access for youth, women, and underserved groups.
For MSMEs across Africa, the centre signals easier access to skilled technicians, reducing operational costs for enterprises that depend on reliable electrical systems and renewable energy solutions. By expanding the technical workforce and promoting clean-energy competencies, the project is expected to support innovation, improve service delivery, and expand economic opportunities for small businesses.
