The Vice Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, Prof. Adesola Ajayi, has commended the lawmaker representing Ibadan South West State Constituency 2 in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi, for his legislative commitment to human capital development and the promotion of Nigeria’s economy through a skilled technical workforce.
He gave the commendation at the official flag-off of the Constituents’ Technical Trainers Recruitment and Training Programme, “Empowering the Future: TECH-U Technical Trainer Certification & Technology Incubation Hub Launch,” held at the TVET Centre of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, on Friday.
Acknowledging the lawmaker’s initiative to sponsor 50 graduates from his constituency for the programme, Prof. Ajayi said that technical excellence is imperative in the global landscape, and a nation’s wealth is no longer measured solely by natural resources but by the technical competence of its citizens.
Representing the TECH-U VC, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Oyetunde Adeaga, charged the beneficiaries to pay attention, noting that they are being equipped with the tools to solve real-world problems, enhance productivity, and foster innovation within the local ecosystem.
“This training programme is designed to be more than a series of lectures; it is a rigorous immersion into the know-how that drives industries. By focusing on technical skills and knowledge acquisition, we are equipping you with the tools to solve real-world problems, enhance productivity, and foster innovation within our local ecosystem,” he said.
“To our participants, I say you are the primary beneficiaries of a significant national investment. I charge you to approach every module with discipline, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility. The skills you will acquire here are not just for your personal advancement but are critical components of our national developmental framework.”
In his remarks, Hon. Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi said the programme fulfils a promise made to the people of his constituency, marking the launch of a dual-purpose initiative: the sponsorship of 50 graduates for the University Technical Trainers Recruitment and Training, and the establishment of the first Technology Incubation Hub specialised in Battery Technology. He explained that the sponsorship is designed with five clear objectives for the 50 pioneers, which include preparing them as state-wide educational leaders who will teach Federal Government-approved Technical Entrepreneurial Education across Oyo State, driving economic empowerment and dignity by targeting a minimum monthly income of ₦300,000 per trainer based on performance, and providing financial autonomy through access to Federal Government loans and grants. He added that the programme will foster entrepreneurial ownership by empowering participants to set up their own university-certified technical training centres, and will scale across the 33 local government areas by producing a bridge between the current reality and a technologically advanced Oyo State.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Isaac Olaoye, described the event as the beginning of a deliberate movement toward economic empowerment, technical innovation, and sustainable human capital development in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. He noted that it is a collaborative effort between TECH-U and BOGOTAKE Technology Nigeria toward youth development, and emphasised that TECH-U remains committed to producing graduates who are creators of opportunities, employers of labour, and solution providers in society.
“Through this partnership, 50 carefully selected graduates will receive advanced technical training and certification in battery technology, including automobile batteries, mobile phone batteries, and power bank systems, while also developing entrepreneurial and instructional capacities. Beyond technical competence, this programme is designed to produce certified technical trainers who can transfer knowledge, establish training centres, and expand technological awareness across communities within Oyo State and beyond,” he said.
Dr. Olaoye appreciated Hon. Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi for investing in the future of young Nigerians, noting that at a time when many speak about youth empowerment, few are willing to make concrete investments that directly impact lives.
A 10-day training programme will commence on May 9 and will cover Solar Inverter, CCTV, Satellite Technology, PBX Intercom installation, domestic electrical work, property tracking, automobile/GPS systems, automobile scanning, and contract proposal writing.
