The executive vice chairman and chief executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof Mohammad Sani Haruna, yesterday pleaded for the release of 1 percent due to the agency from the Federation Account.
He also said the agency will soon establish Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI) and a Skills Acquisition Centre in Borno State.
He requested for about 20 hectares of land (20Ha) for the take-off of the new institute and another 10 hectares (10Ha) for the skills acquisition centre.
Haruna, who made the plea during a courtesy call on Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri, said the massive skills training of youths was to guarantee employability and bridge the existing gap in various occupations.
He said, “Your Excellency, may also recall that you were a member of the Ad-hoc Committee of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on modalities of partnership between NASENI and State Governments, as it relates to 1 percent of the Federation Account. This committee, which is headed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State recommended, with the approval of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), that the agency has justified the need for the fund.
“You are a member of the standing committee of the National Economic Council (NEC) on NASENI’s 1 percent allocation from the Federation Account. Despite the approval of NEC, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the approval of the National Assembly and Mr President, NASENI is yet to start receiving 1 percent of the funds from the Federation Account.
“I am therefore seeking your support and assistance not only for the commencement of remittance to NASENI dedicated account but also for the payment of all arrears due to the agency from the Federation account.”
Haruna also said the agency will soon establish Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI) and a skills acquisition centre in Borno.
He said he has the mandate and instruction of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also the chairman of the governing board of NASENI, saying “I wish to convey the presidential approval for the location and establishment of Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI). It is one of the 12 new institutes of NASENI approved since 2021 by Mr President.
“He has also approved the establishment of a skills acquisition and training centre in Borno State at a location of your choice.
“There will be skill development training for 100 youths selected from all the local governments in the state on modern vulcanising methods and application with start-up kits in line with President Buhari’s nationwide training of teeming youth.
“The massive skill training of youths is to guarantee employability and bridge the existing gap in various occupations created by the collapse of crafts, vocational schools and technical colleges. The training in Maiduguri is scheduled to start on 30th January 2023.”
