The Federal Government, yesterday, launched a specialised training programme in rock tiling and interlocking design to empower Nigerian youths with innovative skills and create job opportunities.

The initiative, which was spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Education, was unveiled in Taraba State at the 2nd Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Camp in Jalingo, Taraba State.

The programme, as gathered by The Guardian, is part of the government’s broader effort to develop a skilled workforce that meets the demands of a modern economy.

Speaking, the Director of Technology and Science Education, Dr. Muyibat Adenike Olodo, highlighted the training’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

“This initiative is central to the ministry’s transformative agenda, prioritising youth empowerment, poverty eradication, and resilience through practical education,” she said.

The training, according to her, provides participants with hands-on experience in rock tiling techniques and interlocking surface creation, essential for construction and urban design.

Building on the success of last year’s TVET Camp, themed “Painting into the Future,” this edition, she said, expands its focus to more advanced and specialised skills.

She emphasized that the program is designed to foster creativity and craftsmanship, enhancing participants’ job readiness.

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By integrating such skills into technical education, the government, as stated by her, is willing to boost Nigeria’s economic growth and infrastructure development.

Supporting her position, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Education, Alhaji Idris Gojee, stressed the importance of equipping students with skills relevant to today’s competitive job market.

He noted that the TVET Camp facilitates workshops, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities with industry professionals.

Also, on his part, the Principal of the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Jalingo, Dr. Binunu Samuel Ahmed, applauded the program’s tangible impact.

“The results of the TVET initiative are evident here at FSTC Jalingo, with projects like newly painted school fences and ongoing infrastructure improvements,” he stated.

While the State Coordinator of NABTEB, Mrs. Zenum C. Peters, described the training as transformative, representative of the African Development Bank, Jacob Samuel Adekunle, on his part, stressed that the “initiative goes beyond theory, equipping participants with technical proficiency and adaptability to thrive in a modern job market.”