Category: Metro

NBTE introduces mandatory skills qualification in polytechnics

Qualification

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has introduced a  Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ) as a graduation requirement for all newly reviewed National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula.

This is as the board says the introduction is in line with global trends, especially as skill acquisition is now central to the training of young Nigerians in polytechnics.

This is contained in a statement on Monday in Abuja, by Hajiya Fatimah Abubakar, the board’s Head of Media.

Abubakar explained that diploma holders would now graduate with a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) or its equivalent, as an additional certification.

According to her, this means the MSQ is now a requirement for all diploma programmes and must be attained before graduation.

She also explained that the NSQ was a certification system designed to assess and recognise the skills and competencies of individuals in various fields.

According to her, it focuses on vocational skills and is typically obtained through vocational training programmes, apprenticeships, and assessments conducted by approved skill assessment bodies.

“NSQ aims to bridge the gap between formal education and industry needs by providing individuals with practical skills relevant to the job market.

“The dual certification of obtaining both an NSQ and an ND in Nigeria offers several benefits, including a comprehensive skill set, increased employability, versatility, professional recognition, and career progression”, she said.

The NBTE head of media further said that the dual certification opens doors to career advancement opportunities as well as providing a strong foundation for upward mobility and career growth.

”The dual certification offers a competitive edge in the job market, enhances career prospects, and equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen fields.

”This dual certification is expected to significantly enhance employability. However, NBTE is aware of the limited skills training facilities in our polytechnics and is therefore allowing a phased introduction.

”The guideline provides polytechnic administrators with methods for implementing this new provision.

“Quality assurance is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness and relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes”, she noted.

She added that assessors would play vital role in this process, through evaluating the quality of education and training provided in various technical and vocational fields.

According to her, their role will include assessing standards, learning outcomes, and the overall performance of Skills Development Centres (SDCs) in polytechnics and other TVET institutions.

“Under the MSQ, HND level students who have acquired NSQ at the ND level can enroll in Quality Assurance Assessor (QAA) training as an alternative to another NSQ.

“The QAA certificate will be valuable in the workplace, as many industries require on-the-job training,” she said.

She noted that Nigeria’s technical manpower situation was characterised by several challenges, including skill shortages, a mismatch between industry needs and training, and a lack of synergy between industry, government agencies, and TVET institutions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FAK/DCO/SH

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

Pilgrims

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), says it has so far transported 99.2 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj rites.

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, made this known at a news conference on the first phase of Hajj operation, held at the Hajj House on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that all pilgrims that NAHCON, states and general stakeholders processed their visa would be transported to Kingdom Saudi Arabia 72 hours before the deadline for the closure of Kingdom air space.

“As of today, we have had 120 flights; we have carried more than 98, close to 99.2 per cent of our pilgrims.

“And by the end of today, very early morning of Monday, there will be no pilgrim left.

“Everybody will have gone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before the deadline normally given by the Saudi Arabia on the closure of their air space.

“In other words, 72 hours before their formal declaration on the closure of their air space.”

Arabi commended President Bola Tinubu and the Vice-President Kashim Shettima for their efforts towards the success of the ongoing hajj operation in the country.

“Of course, we must give credit to the President because he stepped in at that time that matter most.

“He (Tinubu) was an enabler, the Vice-President Shettima was round the clock, a motiveter, he stood by us too. The governors stepped in at that time when we gave up that they won’t.

“And of course, the various states executives of Pilgrims Welfare Boards too did all they could to ensure that we got to where we are today.

“But most pleasing and encouraging are the pilgrims themselves, because they persevered, they were so resilient and, in fact, that tells the story of who we are in Nigeria,” he said.

On his part, the Deputy Director, Aviation, NAHCON, Malam Goni Sanda, disclosed that the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia back to Nigeria would begin on June 21.

Sanda said that all the air carriers have gotten approval and slots for the return journey in line with the principle of first-in-first-out.

“Based on the strategy we adopted this year, since we commenced the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, we didn’t allow the air carriers to go with the minimum capacity.

“If you recall, on day one, we started with only three flights, day two three flights and day four, five flights. We moved pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in staggered manner.

“Because, based on the record or history in the return journey, the first week of the return journey used to come with lots of requests and traffic at the Jedda International Airport,” he noted.

He, however, said that the Saudi General Authority on Civil Aviation didn’t give the approval of the adequate number of slots. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SSI/KLM

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Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Wage

By Philomina Attah

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Committee of Youths on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to align its minimum wage demand with governments’ ability to pay sustainably.

Its Director-General, Mr Obinna Nwaka, made the call during a thanksgiving service to mark the end of the 2024 Youths’ Week at the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Nyanya, Abuja on Sunday.

The theme of the thanksgiving service was, “Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence and Religious Co-creation in our Nation”.

Nwaka said that considering the current economic challenges in the country, “the federal and state governments may struggle to pay, if the amount is unrealistic.”

According to him, the N250,000 demand as minimum wage by the NLC for workers is not sustainable, considering the country’s current financial situation.

He pointed out that Nigeria is still recovering from the economic difficulties of the past administration and warned against making promises that could destabilise the nation.

He also argued that a substantial salary increase would be insufficient if critical infrastructure and public services remain inadequate.

He advised labour to also pay attention to addressing broader systemic issues rather than focusing solely on wage increase.

“We are in the same shoes. There are other areas; labour for example can advocate for good governance; it’s not just all about minimum wage,” he added.

He called on the NLC to channel their efforts towards advocating for improved healthcare and education services, including the provisions of critical infrastructure.

This, he believes, could have a more significant impact on the quality of life of the Nigerian workers.

“Even if they are paying you 500,000 Naira as a salary, it will not be enough, if a healthcare facility is not there; if infrastructure is not there; and if we cannot even send our children to a public school.

“The NLC should focus on motivating the government to invest in these essential sectors,” he said.

Earlier, the minister in charge, Rev. Samuel Labuja, said that the conversations, throughout the youths’ week, reflected the nation’s quest for unity and development.

Labuja advised the youths to maximise their potential and invest in self-reliance ventures, as against depending on white-collar jobs.

“The youths should understand that we can’t live together without peace, and the best we can do to make the nation move forward is to live in peace.

“Youths should learn not to depend on salary alone. They should make use of their God-given talent to earn more resources.

“Whatever you are doing, do it well to the glory of God to earn a living,” he said.

On his part, the Church’s Youths President, Mr Bobby Odia, described the week-long youths’ conference as impactful.

Odia particularly said that the youths, as leaders of tomorrow, have understood the need to contribute their resources towards the development of the country.

“We just celebrated the 2024 Youths’ Week with the theme, “Stand Firm and Take Charge”, and for us to be the future of tomorrow, we have to utilise our energy for the good of our nation,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

APA/FDY
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Edited by Philip Yatai

LASG subjects Badagry master plan review to public scrutiny

Plan

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government says it will make the draft report on review of Badagry Master Plan  available for public scrutiny for 28 work days.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Lagos State, Mr Oluwole Sotire, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Sotire said in the statement issued by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit of the office, Mr Mukaila Sanusi, that stakeholders would go through the proposed plan and provide feedbacks.

According to the permanent secretary, the Draft Report on the Review of Badagry Master Plan (2022-2024) would be open to public scrutiny from June 19  to July 26.

He said that the goal was to create a more inclusive plan that would reflect the needs of the community.

He said: “Subjecting the draft report to public scrutiny is part of the acclaimed process of preparing an inclusive plan, which is also in tandem with the state’s culture of citizens’ participation in the preparation of physical development plans.

“The inspection venues which are 13 in all, include the local government/local council development area secretariats within the Badagry Division of the state.”

Sotire added that local planning offices within the division, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development Secretariat, Alausa, and the Headquarters of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority at GRA, Ikeja, would also be venues.

” It is worthy of note that, to ramp up public participation in the plan preparation process, the 28-day public inspection of the Draft Report on the Review of Badagry Master Plan (2022-2042) will be followed by a final stakeholders meeting on August 8, at LASU Main Auditorium, Ojo.” he said.

According to Sotire, the plan is being reviewed because the original one was in place for 20 years and needs updates to reflect current conditions and future goals.

He said that the plan aimed to identify and leverage Badagry’s unique features, such as  historical significance, cultural heritage and natural environment.

Sotire said that the plan prioritised environmentally-friendly development practices to ensure long-term viability without harming the environment.

He also said that the goal was to create economic and social development in Badagry that could be maintained overtime.

According to him, there will be socio-economic development to improve the overall quality of life in Badagry through job creation, infrastructure development and access to social services.

He added, “The plan seeks to make Badagry an attractive location for  investment, potentially bringing in more economic opportunities.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LED/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Schedule
By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Air Peace has announced the extension of its schedule availability for the Lagos-London-Lagos route, with flights now bookable until March 2025.

This is contained in a statement by a Senior Communications Officer of the airline, Mr Efeoghene Osifo-Whiskey on Saturday in Lagos.

The airline stated that its London route, operated by Air Peace luxurious Boeing 777, which began on March 30, had quickly become popular among both business and leisure travelers.

“We are thrilled to inform the general public and our esteemed customers that they can now book flights for travel up to March 2025 on our London route.

“This extension is perfect for those planning to travel between Nigeria and London this festive season. With a variety of benefits and packages, Air Peace ensures that passengers will enjoy bespoke comfort and safety.

“This extended availability aims to provide more options and convenience for passengers, reinforcing Air Peace’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and seamless connectivity,” the airline noted.

The statement explained that the recent announcement of summer promo allowed passengers in Nigeria to connect to London from all Air Peace domestic destinations and London passengers to connect to various locations in Nigeria via Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ITM/AJA
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

By Philip Yatai

Infrastructure

Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to name two roads in Guzape Districts after Chinua Achebe and J. P. Clark.

Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and a central figure of modern African literature, while J. P. Clark. was a Nigerian poet and playwright.

Wike made the request in Abuja on Saturday, during the inauguration of Guzape Lot II Engineering Infrastructure by Tinubu, to celebrate his one year in office.

“I want to appeal to you, just like what you did last time when you approved the naming of Arterial N-20 Road after Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

“There are a lot of Nigerians who also have in one way, or the other, made their own contributions, particularly in literary works.

“So many of them have made Nigeria proud. People like Chinua Achebe; people like J. P. Clark.

“Your excellency, I want to appeal to you to name this road after Chinua Achebe and another road within the same district after J. P. Clark,” he said.

The minister described Guzape as one of the biggest districts in FCT and fast developing.

He explained that the contract was awarded in 2003 at N14 billion, during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration and divided into two lots.

He said that Lot I was awarded to Dantata and Sawoe while Lot II was awarded to Gilmor Engineering, adding that the contract was revised to over N18 billion in the third week of May 2023.

Wike said that Dantata and Sawoe had left the site for a very long time, until the Tinubu administration came on board, mobilised them back to site and work currently ongoing.  

For the completed Lot II, the minister said he had inspected the execution of the project over 15 times to ensure timely delivery of the project.

He disclosed that the project was delivered in spite of litigations by some residents to stop the contractor from blasting rocks to give way for road construction in the district.

He also said that the ongoing work at Guzape Diplomatic Zone would soon be completed.

Dr Mariya Mahoud, FCT Minister of State, commended President Tinubu for supporting the provision of infrastructure to Guzape and other districts of the FCT.

The infrastructure, according to Mahmoud, would enhance the quality of life of Abuja residents and benefit generations to come.

“The sustainable growth and development of any city relied heavily on the infrastructure,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the entire Guzape District covered an area of about 1,070 hectares.

Ahmad explained that Lot I, being executed by Dantata and Sawoe covered an area of 450 hectares, while Lot II being successfully executed by Gilmor Engineering covered 620 hectares.

He explained that out of the 1,074 hectares total area, about 129 hectares have been encumbered by village settlement, of which about 66 fall within the area executed by Gilmor Engineering.

He said that the scope of work involved the provision of electrical power supply, including a 33/11 mini-injection substation to power the district one each for Lot I and Lot II.

He added that other engineering infrastructure included a mini sewage treatment plant, transformers, and street lighting poles that were erected and powered.

“The district is meant to provide services to about 1,017 plots of various usage and sizes – residential, commercial, as well as parks and recreation.

“The lot II we are inaugurating today covers 561 plots out of the 1,017 plots

“The Lot II has 31.3 kilometers network of roads, out of the 73 kilometres of roads in the entire district, while the one being executed by Dantata and Sawoe is about 30 kilomtres.

“The remaining ones were encumbered by village obstruction areas and attention is currently being given by Wike to hasten the compensation and resettlement of the village obstruction areas,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Training

By Uchenna Eletuo

Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Dr Segun Musa, Chairman and Chief Consultant, Global Transport Policy (GTP), says  it is important to train traffic officers as it  impacts positively on their service delivery and reduces road incidents that most times claim lives.

Musa, a former Lagos State Gubernatorial Candidate, spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on the forthcoming GTP training of  traffic officers of the Lagos State Police Command.

According to him, the session is essential to infuse global best practices in the officers, as  human induced mishaps and the dearth of trainings contribute to life threatening risks on the roads.

He described transportation as an essential aid to trade and commerce, saying the training was GTP’s corporate social responsibility intervention to better the society.

According to him, the session for the Divisional Traffic Officers (DTOs) of the Command will equip officers with Emotional Intelligence (EI) capabilities as they constantly relate with the public.

The training, planned for June 21, at the Bon Hotel, Ikeja GRA, has the theme: “Improving Traffic Policing: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence Skills”.

Musa said: “The innovative brand management kit to foster global multimodal systems, structures, strategies and policies through strategic collaborations and consultancy services will advance participants civil culture in service delivery.

“It will specifically focus on crucial issues such as developing self-awareness and self-regulation to manage stress and emotions effectively, enhancing empathy and social skills for better communication and conflict resolution,” he said.

Musa identified Emotional intelligence as a crucial skill set in law enforcement, particularly in high-stress environments such as traffic management.

“Analysts say officers with high EI are better equipped to handle challenging situations, communicate effectively with the public, and make sound decisions under pressure”.

According to him, investing in the EI of police officers is a proactive step toward creating a safer and harmonious traffic environment in Lagos.

“Applying EI techniques in real life traffic scenarios helps to de-escalate conflicts and promote cooperation,”

NAN reports that the GTP team, led by its chairman, had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr Adegoke  Fayoade, to seal the training arrangement.

According to the chief consultant, the police boss commended GTP’s move to partner the force to improve service to the public. (NAN)

EUC/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu