The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, has said that Nigeria’s iron and steel industry cannot achieve its full potential without a steady supply of highly skilled welders.

Its said that the NBTE had assessed and approved the Soldamatic training package for adoption in polytechnics across the country.

Bugaje, disclosed this in Abuja, during the unveiling and certificate presentation ceremony for graduates of the Soldamatic Augmented Reality Welding Training Programme at the Whitecloud TVET Academy.

He explained that welding remains a critical component of industrialisation, serving as the foundation for steel production, oil and gas infrastructure, construction projects, pipelines, and manufacturing activities.

He noted that welders were also imported from India during the construction of the Dangote Refinery, while projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline exposed significant local capacity gaps.

He said: “The iron and steel industry cannot function without welders because steel sheets cannot perform their intended functions unless they are welded together to form columns, pipes and other structures required by industry.

“As we speak today, Nigeria is still importing welders from overseas. In the oil and gas industry in Warri and Port Harcourt, professionals from countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines are working both onshore and offshore in welding-related jobs.”

The NBTE chief described the graduation of the trainees as a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to bridge technical skills gaps and build a workforce capable of supporting the country’s industrial ambitions.

He commended Soldamatic Nigeria Limited for introducing Augmented Reality Welding technology, noting that the innovation offers a practical solution to accelerating skills acquisition while reducing training costs and risks.

In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Whitecloud TVET Solutions Limited, Mr. Oluranti Netufo Jasper, said the training programme was designed to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) while preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in an evolving industrial economy.

He explained that the pioneer cohort, sponsored by Ways and Wills Concept Limited, received intensive training in Welding and Fabrication Technology using the Soldamatic Augmented Reality Welding system.

According to Jasper, the programme combines 40 per cent digital simulation with 60 per cent hands-on practical workshop experience, enabling trainees to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.

He said: “The Soldamatic system integrates real welding tools with advanced digital overlays that guide learners in real time, helping them build precision, confidence and operational excellence in a safe and controlled environment.”

He noted that the technology reduces material wastage, improves safety, accelerates learning and provides detailed performance feedback that helps instructors monitor progress effectively.

Jasper reaffirmed Whitecloud’s commitment to advancing skills development as a strategy for tackling unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting industrial growth.

Also speaking, President of Women in Mining Nigeria, Hon. Engr. Dr. Janet Adeyemi, described welding as one of the sectors capable of creating wealth and driving economic transformation.

She said: “There is virtually no engineering or construction project that can succeed without welding. Whether it is road construction, housing development, oil and gas infrastructure or industrial facilities, welding remains indispensable.

“Welding remains one of the most important skills in the engineering value chain. Whether it is pipelines, ships, bridges, storage facilities or industrial plants, welders play a critical role.”

Adeyemi urged the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship and continuous learning, stressing that technological innovation is changing perceptions about the profession and creating new opportunities.

Board of Trustees member of the Nigerian Institute of Welding, Alhaji Ismaila Sifawa, described welding as the backbone of engineering and industrial development.

He noted that professionally trained Nigerian welders have secured employment opportunities across the globe, including major infrastructure projects in Africa, the Middle East and South America.

One of the graduating trainees, Utibe Christina Umoh, praised the programme for combining virtual learning with practical workshop experience.

She said the Soldamatic technology enabled trainees to gain confidence before entering the workshop, making practical welding easier and safer.