A foremost Islamic organisation in Nigeria, Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Ejigbo branch, on Sunday, graduated 100 students from its vocational program in Lagos.
The project tagged, “Youth Sustainable Skill Training and Empowerment Program”, according to the chairman of the branch, Alhaji Bolarinwa Hakeem, was part of the organisation’s summer vocational training program for students during the long vacation.
He stated that the skills development program is an important tool for the country’s social and economic growth.
He said, “The young ones are the greatest change-makers and pacesetters if properly nurtured. Their minds would generate more fresh and innovative ideas that could lead to the development of the country.
“But, today for reasons ranging from bad governance and leadership, our youth is facing some serious challenges regarding skills and jobs. It is the situation of utter worry that the limited exposure to vocational and sustainable skills development opportunities has restricted the creative abilities of children and young people.
“Most of the youth are either currently without work, not studying, or engaged in irregular or informal employment, thereby increasing the chances of social unrest.
“To raise employment among youth, a skill-based training is the need of an hour, enabling young people to make a smooth transition to work. This alternative educational path gives a chance to young people to grow professionally.”
On her part, Empowerment Secretary, Mrs Kudirat Olaopoola disclosed that over a hundred pupils were in trained in catering, make-up and headgear designs, Hijab and turbans, fashion design and handcrafts.
The training program according to her is designed to equip the younger generations with the necessary skills to make them self-reliant and reduce the issues of unemployment and economic dependency
She added, “Under this project, over one hundred pupils both virtual and physical participated in the projects. Technical education and vocational training comprises formal, non-formal, and informal learning that fulfil the demand for skilled workers in the job market. And we thank Allah for making it a success.”
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