The Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir, has urged the Federal Government to revive technical colleges across Nigeria, saying stronger technical education is critical to youth employment and economic growth.
Kabir made the call while delivering a keynote address at the flag-off of a five-day intensive skills acquisition programme for 120 youths in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
The traditional ruler also urged federal and state ministries of works to establish dedicated skills acquisition departments to train young Nigerians and equip them with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.
“The economy of Nigeria is driven by those Nigerians who possess technical skills, and so, government needs to create more opportunities for human capital development beyond what it is doing,” he said.
He encouraged participants to make the most of the training by acquiring practical knowledge they could use to secure jobs or establish their own businesses.
The programme, organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), focuses on modern methods of electrical installation and maintenance.
NASENI promises starter kits for participants
In his opening address, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the training was designed to equip 120 young people in Lokoja with practical, marketable skills.
Halilu, who was represented at the event by NASENI Research Director, Professor Abdulmalik Ibrahim, said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment and economic inclusion.
He said NASENI was working to translate scientific and engineering knowledge into practical solutions that could improve livelihoods and support businesses across the country.
“His vision to NASENI is clear: take science, technology and engineering out of laboratories and into Nigerian homes, businesses and communities. This empowerment in Lokoja is direct evidence,” Halilu said.
He added that the agency would continue to promote its three-part approach of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation to encourage job creation, business growth and community development.
Under the programme, participants are expected to receive starter kits at the end of the training to help them begin applying their newly acquired skills commercially.
“Your success is our success,” Halilu said, while thanking the facilitators and the local organising committee for their contributions to the programme.
The closing ceremony, scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, is expected to include the distribution of the starter kits.
Push for practical skills and youth employment
The call to revive technical colleges highlights growing concerns about the need to strengthen vocational and technical education as Nigeria seeks to expand employment opportunities for young people.
Technical colleges can provide training in trades such as electrical installation, welding, fabrication, plumbing and mechanical maintenance, helping learners develop skills that employers and businesses require.
The Lokoja initiative reflects an effort to complement formal education with practical training that can support self-employment and small-business development.
However, expanding the impact of such programmes will depend on sustained investment in training facilities, qualified instructors, modern equipment and access to tools and financing after graduation.
For the 120 participants in Lokoja, the immediate objective is to turn five days of intensive training into practical skills they can use to pursue employment or establish their own businesses.
