The Federal Ministry of Education has been called upon to revive and restore the old Technical colleges across the country as a way to prioritize skill acquisition policy on the country.

Chairman Lokoja Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Alh Ibrahim Gambo Kabir, the Maigari of Lokoja, made the call in a keynote address during flagging off of a 5-day Intensive Skill Acquisition Training for 120 youths held in Riverton Hotel, Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

The Monarch also appealed to the Federal and State ministries of Works to create skill acquisition departments in their ministries so as to train the massive Nigerian youths requiring source of livelihood.

He said, “The economy on Nigeria is driven by those Nigerians who possess technical skills, and so, government need to create more opportunities for human capital development beyond what it is doing”

The Monarch urged participants in the 5-day skill training to take the opportunity and equipped themselves within the period.

Earlier in his opening address, the executive chairman of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Khalid Suleiman Halilu, said, “This 5-day intensive training, focused on “Modern Methods of Electrical Installations and Maintenance,” is designed to equip 120 Lokoja youths with practical, marketable skills.

“It is part of NASENI’s commitment to human capacity development and a direct response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment and economic inclusion.

“His vision to NASENI is clear: take science, technology and engineering out of laboratories and into Nigerian homes, businesses and communities. This empowerment in Lokoja is direct evidence.

“Under NASENI’s 3Cs – Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation – we will continue to deploy practical technologies and skills that create jobs, grow businesses, and strengthen communities.

Dr Halilu, who was represented at the event the Research Director in NASENI, Prof Abdulmalik Ibrahim, assured participants that “at the end of the programme, you will receive starter kits to help you begin your own businesses. Your success is our success. I thank our facilitators for their expertise and the Local Organizing Committee for their dedication towards ensuring the success of this programme.

The closing ceremony of the training which include distribution of starter-pack will hold on Friday 23rd of October, 2026