Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has concluded plans to train one million girls in Nigeria on education skills through UNICEF’s programme, Girls’ Education Skills and Partnership (GESP).
The college is expected to empower 5,000 girls in Lagos State to boost access to skills and economic opportunities for adolescent girls and young women, supporting them to become employable, entrepreneurial and better-skilled in information and communication technology (ICT).
The rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul made this known at a five-day course design workshop on Girls Education Skills and Partnership (GESP) sponsored by UNICEF and Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) held at the college PTDF/CITM Computer laboratory with over 60 participants.
Abdul emphasized on the significance of the Girls’ Education Skills and Partnership project, which seeks to provide sustainable livelihood training for the girl child, necessary skills acquisition and having significant employment.
“Empowering our girls with ICT skills is not just about addressing the gender gap; it’s about equipping them with tools for a sustainable future, and we are committed to providing our students with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“As far as National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) is concerned, YABATECH is leading the trend by tapping into its objectives of targeting 5,000 women for profitable skills acquisition
“This is the first workshop in the college that will strictly target girls’ empowerment, it is very expedient to give the women the conducive atmosphere in acquiring skills, and the College has what it takes in ensuring that the workshop is successful,” he said.
The executive secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof Idris Bugaje, represented by the director, NBTE Southwest zonal office, Mr Ayo Aroge commended Yabatech for its commitment to skills development in Nigeria.
“The future of our nation depends on the quality of education we provide our young people and initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that we remain competitive in the global economy.
“By investing in the skills development of our girls, Yabatech is not only empowering them but also contributing to the overall development of our society,” he said.
