The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is in a joyous mood today as its Business Education Services and Training (BEST) Unit celebrated the second graduation ceremony of the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) training programme.

The Chamber says a total number of 31 young graduands, who distinguished themselves in the SKYE training programme, were the centre of attraction at the glamorous convocation.

SKYE is a Dual Vocational and Competence-Based Training Program, where all learners are required to undergo a total of 12 months of learning in an alternation of one (1) month in a Training Center/Workshop and one (1) month in a workplace. The idea behind this system is to ensure the creation of competencies fit to meet the skill needs of the labour market. It is being executed as a National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) program and certified by the National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB).

LCCI is in partnership with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) SEQUA to implement the SKYE training programme in three different professions and it commenced in June 2023. These professions are Office Administration (OA), Industrial Electronics Maintenance (IEM), and Industrial Machinery Mechanic & Fitter (IMMF).

The Convocation was declared open by the Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Chinyere Almona, FCA, represented by the Director of Research and Advocacy, Dr Sunnie Omeiza. Speaking on behalf of the DG, Dr Omeiza emphasised the importance of skills development programmes targeted at ensuring that the youths are employed and independent, thereby leading to a thriving economy and a prosperous nation.

In his welcome address, the President of the LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, FCA, set the atmosphere for the event, acknowledging all the guests and graduates. He also encouraged organizations represented at the event to welcome the graduating students into their employ. LCCI continues to lead the drive for youth development and empowerment including promoting Entrepreneurship development towards economic prosperity for all in Lagos and Nigeria. The Vice President of the LCCI and Chairperson, BEST, Princess Funlayo Bakare-Okeowo, called on parents/guardians and concerned citizens to encourage the youths to enrol and participate in technical and vocational training programmes like SKYE so that Nigeria will have more youths who are not only skilful but also employable. The event also had the students display their training products and learned skills to the audience's admiration. While pouring out immense gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the SKYE training program, the Director of the BEST, Dr. Taiwo Nolas-Alausa revealed that plans are ongoing for the next phase of this SKYE training programme.

Present at the event to celebrate with the 31 young skilled graduates were the first female Nigerian Chartered Engineer and Honorary life Vice President of the LCCI, Engr. Mrs Olu Maduka; MFR, Vice Chairman BEST Board, Mr Emmanuel Dangana; Professor of Chemical Engineering, Prof. Sam Adefila; Baale of Alayabiagba Town, Baale Dr Y.O.A Adeshina Ojora; Vice Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun Revenue Board, Hon Lekan Akindipe; Mr Eyitayo Adewunmi, representing our major partner, NASCON Allied Industries (a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited); Managing Director, Yustech Mechanical, Mr Muhammed Yusuf Bolaji; other partner organisations, Parents/Guardians, relatives, and friends of the graduating students.

Highly recognised for their roles in accepting the graduating students for the compulsory in-company training include:

1. Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA)

2. NASCON Allied Industries (Dangote)

3. Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL)

4. Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA

5. Chrisadel Technical Services Company

6. Hotel De Classic And Suites

7. Burlington Consulting

8. Yustech mechanical

9. Bolnim Consulting

The programme closed positively as the graduates were evidently excited and enthusiastic about the future as they were inducted into the labour market with professional skills in line with industry standards.

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