The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote (FNSE, FIPS) ably represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, NCDMB, Mr Patrick Obah, in his remark at the groundbreaking ceremony at Government Technical College (GTC) Port Harcourt, He thanked Total Energies noting that “What event could better express our Nigerian Content aspiration than laying the foundation of a technical workshop that would train & inspire youths to innovate & demonstrate creativity in support of the Nigerian economy.”
He added that the Board always wants Nigeria and Nigerians to be innovative, and the youths should explore new horizons as well as develop their mental resilience and discover the bonds of mutuality that cut across differences of culture, ethnicity, religion, or background.
He expressed delight and gratitude that the management of Total Energies Limited deemed it necessary to invite the Board to lay the foundation stone of the new Technical workshop and by extension, the 25 classroom lock and 200 hundred bed space hostel here, at the Government Technical College Port Harcourt.
The foundation laid today is one of the many building foundations that will be laid in vocational schools across the country, Engr. Simbi added. The NCDMB has also started the upgrade of teachers’ quarters in the school. Taken together, the objective is to transform GTC to a modern center of excellence for the training of skilled craftsmen who will support activities in the oil and gas industry and the economy at large.
It is expected that the trainees from this center will be in the forefront of leading the charge to end poverty in all forms and create employment for youths in the country.
The Board has placed a lot of premium on Human Capital Development & the role that Technical, Vocational Education & Training (TVET) can play in the development of skilled craftsmen that are urgently required for the delivery of project in the oil and gas industry and for the growth of Nigerian Content in the industry.
The availability of skilled and qualified Nigerian craftsmen will reduce dependence on foreign artisans and reduce capital flight.
The Board initiated the upgrade of many vocational schools. To date, the Board has successfully completed the upgrade of Government Technical College, Amoli in Enugu State, Government Technical College, Abak in Akwa Ibom State, Government Craft Development Centre in Bassambiri, Bayelsa State, the University of Ibadan vocational Centre, and work is ongoing in many other vocational schools across the country, including the upgrade of teachers’ quarters at the Government Technical College Port Harcourt.
The Board recently completed the ultra-modern vocational centre of excellence at Omagwa, Port Harcourt which was initiated by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).
This centre will be commissioned soon, thanks to ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC) Limited, who funded and executed the completion of the project as directed by the Board under the CDI program.
The Board is carrying out upgrade projects in Nigerian Universities, including the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State. The delivery of new projects at the University of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, and the planning of new projects in other universities are being progressed.
He enjoined Total Energies to
i. Ensure the project is completed in record time.
ii. Ensure that the best modern industrial equipment are installed in the school, such that the students can acquire the requisite skills that will make them ready for field operations from day one.
iii. Ensure that there is a sustainability and maintenance plan in place to support the workshop, including the provision of vital spare parts for the machines.
iv. Ensure that the teachers and instructors are trained to use any equipment that will be installed in the school.
To the students and management and staff of GTC Port Harcourt, Engr. Simbi urged them to extend their maximum support to the contractors handling the upgrade projects and to provide security for the workers on site.
“The success of these projects depend on you and we look forward to your active support.”
About Author
