From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna yesterday said only countries investing in technology can develop.
He said it was time to revive craft schools, technical and vocational centres and technical colleges to train critical mass of artisans needed by Nigeria.
He also said the quality of human capacity in a nation shapes and determine its progress.
Haruna made the submissions at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the NASENI Skill Acquisition Centre, Bagudo in Kebbi State.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari approved construction of skill development centres to meet the challenges of technology gap and fill the vacuum created by shortage of artisans.
He said: “It is the quality of human capacity in a nation that shapes and determine its progress and sustainable development and not commodity or natural resources.
“Experience has shown that countries that invest adequately in technology acquisition and deployment are the leaders in socio-economic development even if they import all raw material needs of their economy.”
Haruna called for the revival of craft schools, technical and vocational centres and technical colleges to train critical mass of artisans needed by Nigeria.
He said it was important to promote technical education to protect the future of young men and women who are the leaders of tomorrow.
He added: “Craft schools, Technical and Vocational Centres and Technical colleges to train critical mass of artisans needed by Nigeria have either been abolished in most states of the federation or have deteriorated in structures and in workshop equipment and laboratories.
“The skill development centres approved for establishment by President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for NASENI across the nation such as the one we are commencing construction in Kebbi are designed to meet the challenges of technology gap and fill the vacuum created by shortage of artisans, craftsmen, and women.
“The centres will be adequately equipped with basics to advanced modern training facilities and equipment for training competitive workforce ready for self-employment generation and entrepreneurship.”
“The future of nations and societies is predicted and reflected on the attitude and preparedness of the young men and women who are the leaders of tomorrow.
“An unemployed critical mass of the young ones who waste the most energetic period of their lives in drug addiction, political thuggery and many crimes and social vices do not represent a bright future for any country. Indeed, an idle mind (hand) is a devil’s workshop. “
Haruna explained that with NASENI’s focus on skills acquisition, the nation will be able to maintain its critical infrastructure.
He said: “The on-going skill development, youth empowerment and the establishment of skill development centres across the country is in fulfilment of Federal Government new employment generation and provision of a competent manpower for the country.
“The soft component of manufacturing or knowledge-based economy is the quality human resources. This is the most important component, absence of which the country will remain an import-oriented economy.
“The technical know-how needed to guarantee sustainability and maintainability of massive infrastructure such as Railway, Aviation, Bridges, the Health sector, Energy and Water resources to mention only a few which are provided by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and also, what is needed to transit Nigeria to a manufacturing economy.”
Laying the foundation, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State appreciated the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and NASENI for bringing the project to Kebbi.
“We appreciate the minister, Abubakar Malami SAN, for his influence to bring the project to Kebbi, we also appreciate NASENI for its move to establish a centre for manufacturing of farming machines and farming implements in the state.
“We also appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for what he has been doing for Kebbi, especially, 100-bed hospital, Immigration Training Centre, the only one in Africa and Federal College of Education (FCE) all in Bagudo Local Government, Area,” he said.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) appreciated God Almighty for using him to facilitate the project with the support of the governor
He praised NASENI for not only bringing the project to Kebbi but also for distributing modern cooking stove and pots to 350 households in the area.
He said the items would go a long way in minimizing incessant felling of trees.
He explained that the centre would train youths on renewable energy, modern farming techniques as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
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