The Segesse College of Traditional Carpentry (SCTC), the first of its kind in Africa, has graduated 25 students after months of intensive training in both traditional and modern carpentry.

The graduation ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Filin Dabo community in Dei-Dei, Abuja, drew dignitaries, community leaders, and government officials.

The college, founded by Nigerian craftsman Moses Amiebenomo, popularly called Celebrity Carpenter, was established to equip young people with practical skills to create livelihoods and reduce unemployment.

Speaking at the event, Amiebenomo said the SCTC has become a model for skill-based education in Africa.

?Segesse College of Traditional Carpentry was created to give a second chance to Nigerian youths. What started as a rehabilitation effort has now become the first choice for young people across Africa who want to study the true art of carpentry,? he said.

He urged the graduands to remain resilient, serve as ambassadors of the school, and use their new skills to build sustainable careers.

Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, a director in the ministry reaffirmed the government?s readiness to partner with skill acquisition centres like SCTC.

?One of our mandates is to collaborate with institutions that are committed to reducing unemployment. We commend Mr. Amiebenomo for his passion and determination to empower young Nigerians,? he said.

Also speaking, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Augustine Nduka, who represented the NDLEA Abuja Command, charged the youths to avoid drug abuse.

?Over 20 per cent of Nigerian youths are affected by drugs. I urge you to stay focused on your craft and not allow substance abuse to derail your future,? Nduka warned.

Traditional leaders representing the Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba communities also praised the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for many young people in the area.

The graduates, who received certificates at the ceremony, expressed gratitude to the college for giving them the skills to earn a living. They pledged to use their training to support community development and contribute to nation-building. (THE GUARDIAN)

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