The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TEVE), to create jobs for youths and skills development.
OSSAP-TEVE noted that the partnership aims to provide training, skill acquisition, and job creation opportunities for young Nigerians.
Speaking at the signing of the MoU in Abuja on Friday, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, noted that the initiative is expected to equip Nigerian youths with the necessary skills to compete in the modern workforce and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Onyejeocha explained that the signing of the MOU is a significant step towards achieving the federal government’s objective of reducing unemployment and promoting sustainable development.
“The signing of this memorandum of understanding between the federal ministry of labour and employment and the office of the Senior special assistant to the president on technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship skills is a testament to our commitment to creating sustainable job opportunities for all Nigerians, particularly our youth,” she said.
“Our collaboration under the Labour Employment and Empowerment Program (LEEP) is not just a strategic alliance but a concerted effort to address the pressing challenges of unemployment and underemployment in our country.
“Through this MOU, we are laying a strong foundation for the creation of 2.5 million jobs annually, focusing on vocational, technical, and entrepreneurial skills that are critical for the economic development and growth of Nigeria.
“The Ministry is dedicated to providing the necessary assets and infrastructure to support the training and certification of participants in this program. We recognize the importance of a skilled workforce in driving innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in the global market. With the support and expertise of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant, we are confident in our ability to achieve these ambitious goals.”
Onyejeocha expressed appreciation to OSSAP-TEVE and her team for their collaboration and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to the success of LEEP.
In her remarks, the Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Ms Abiola Arogundade, noted that the partnership aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of young Nigerians.
While emphasizing on the minister’s enthusiasm for the collaboration and the ministry’s dedication to empowering Nigerian youth, she said: “This collaboration is expected to create jobs, as the mandate has said.
“And it is also going to make sure that most of our Nigerian youths are skills, at the moment it is 15 percent for highly skilled in Nigeria, but this MOU and collaboration show that we are on pathway to make this happens,” she said.
“So once again, I, the Minister of State for Labor, and the Permanent Secretary and the Ministry of Labor. I look forward to this collaboration that would solve the problem of Nigeria youths, by bring them into a more skilled workforce and creating jobs.”
Onyejeocha and Arogundade signed the MOU on behalf of their respective organizations. The ceremony was witnessed by top government officials and stakeholders in the sectors.
