Plateau commissioner tasks technology board members to equip youths with skills
Skill
By Martha Agas
Jos, March 21, 2018(NAN) Mr Dan Manjang, Commissioner for Science and Technology in Plateau, has tasked members of the state’s Vocational and Relevant Technology Board to initiate programmes that would equip youths with skills for self-reliance.
Manjang, in a speech at a ceremony to inaugurate the board members on Wednesday in Jos, also tasked them to work out entrepreneurial programmes that would boost youths’ capacities to manage their businesses.
He emphasised the need to harness the potential of Plateau youths to make them assets to the society, saying that government was ready to support youths trained in skills to start off their businesses and employ others.
Manjang described the board as the “engine room” of job creation, and stressed the need for concerted efforts to combat indolence which was largely responsible for nefarious activities among youths.
The commissioner urged the board members to collaborate with other technical organizations and donor agencies to improve on the centre’s entrepreneurship programmes so as to complement other government efforts toward improving Plateau’s economy
He said that the members’ appointments was strictly on merit, noting that they were experts in various fields of technology that had proven their mettle over time.
“As experts, you are to ensure that the curriculum of vocational and technology programmes are adhered to. You should also ensure that necessary infrastructure is available for the implementation of such programmes,” he said.
Manjang challenged the board members to sensitise members of the community on the activities of the board to shore up enrollment of trainees into its six vocational training centres, saying that the centres were well equipped and operational.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Joseph Mallum, the Executive Secretary, Plateau State Vocational and Relevant Technology Board, had commended Gov Simon Lalong for appointing seasoned and highly respected experts as members of the board.
He said that their appointments would encourage inventions and innovations in technology.
Mr Nanniep Pilwai, Chairman of the Board, who responded on behalf of his colleagues, said that technology had become a major aspect of all global transactions, declaring that Plateau could not afford to be left behind.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 5-man board is expected to resuscitate the six vocational and technology centres in Jos, Bassa, Pankshin, Lantang, Wase and Quanpan.
The centres produce furniture, hospital and school equipment, among many other items. (NAN)
MAA/ETS
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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin