Executive vice chairman and chief executive (EVC/CE) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, yesterday unfolded plans by President Muhammadu Buhari to end Nigeria’s reliance on foreign artisans.
Haruna said President Buhari has directed the agency to equip Nigerian youths to reverse the current practice of importing artisans.
He said the target given to NASENI covers modern massive skill acquisition training for artisans to be able to cope with global challenges.
The NASENI boss made the disclosures at the flag-off of training and youth empowerment for youths in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He said the training was aimed at reversing over reliance on artisans from neighbouring countries.
Haruna said, “Artisans from neighbouring African countries today are taking over the few occupational jobs available in the built environment and in the construction industry.
“The president has empowered NASENI to lead the nation to a manufacturing economy and undoubtedly this type of skill development is a key prerequisite, that is – competent workforce.”
“It is the instruction of President Muhammadu Buhari that NASENI must work hard to build the critical mass of Nigeria to reverse the trend and provide competitive know-how to Nigerians to meet local demand and export labour abroad.
“The skill development in many specialized areas of need is ongoing and the trainees are expected to train others.
