The Ekiti State Government has embarked on a strategic effort to address the growing skills gap by providing targeted training for newly recruited staff in the technical and vocational education sector.
The training, held at the Government Technical College Hall in Ado-Ekiti, was part of a larger initiative aimed at enhancing human capital development and improving service delivery across the state.
With over 100 junior and senior staff members in attendance, the three-day intensive seminar is designed to equip the new employees with essential skills for their roles in advancing technical and vocational education.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Service Delivery, Toba Fatunla who represented the Director General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Dr. John Moyo Ekundayo, stressed the importance of this initiative saying that the training program is pivotal in Ekiti State’s mission to bridge the gap between formal education and the skills required in today’s workforce.
He noted that technical and vocational education plays a crucial role in addressing the mismatch between graduate qualifications and market demands, particularly in industries that require hands-on skills.
Fatunla further elaborated that the Ekiti State Government is committed to ensuring that vocational education does not only serve as an alternative to traditional higher education but also as a catalyst for innovation and youth empowerment.
“With the growing need for specialized skills in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and information technology, this initiative is seen as a proactive step toward meeting future demands” Fatunla remarked.
“This induction training is part of Ekiti State’s broader strategy to transform technical colleges into centers of excellence. By strengthening the capacity of technical staff, the government seeks to make technical education a cornerstone of the state’s development agenda” He added
By focusing on technical skills, the state aims to combat rising unemployment levels by producing a workforce that is ready to meet the needs of both local and national industries. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to continuously investing in human capital development to ensure that the workforce remains competitive.
During the seminar, stakeholders including TESCOM’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sunday Boluwade, emphasized the importance of the training in building a sustainable future for the state’s educational and industrial sectors.
The newly inducted staff members were reminded of their vital role in fostering an environment where technical education can thrive, thereby creating a generation of skilled workers who will contribute to the state’s economic development.
Some of the participants who said they gained hands-on experience and were exposed to best practices in vocational education noted that they were also be encouraged to adopt innovative teaching methods that can help foster a new generation of technically skilled professionals as the state aims to ensure that technical education remains adaptable to the fast-evolving technological landscape.
Fatunla reassured the inductees that they would receive ongoing support from the government to ensure their professional growth and development, encouraging them to approach their roles with dedication and a commitment to excellence. He noted that they are key to realizing the state’s vision of becoming a hub for technical and vocational education in Nigeria.