by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
BORNOR STATE: A Vocational Training Institute in Mafa Local Government of Borno State, with the capacity of training 600 youths each year, has been inaugurated by the State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
The inauguration was performed recently after a brief ceremony, during which the governor stated that, “The newly established Vocational Institute, named ‘Vocational Enterprise Institute Mafa,’ is designed to train between 450-600 trainees in 15 trades annually, respectively.
“The institute will offer a diverse range of specialized training programmes, including auto-mechanic, welding fabrication, solar installation, electrical installation, plumbing and pipe-fitting, tailoring and embroidery, leatherwork, building construction, agric tech, aluminum fabrication, AC/refrigeration, knitting and crocheting, carpentry and joinery, cosmetology and ICT,” he said.
The governor explained that in addition to the vocational training, students will acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills, adding that, “By engaging the youths with vocational skills, Borno State Government aims to foster entrepreneurship, attract investment and create a sustainable and prosperous future for the state.”
He expressed his enthusiasm for the project and underscored the importance of vocational education in driving economic growth and reducing unemployment rates.
The governor also emphasized that the institute would serve as a catalyst for innovation, self-reliance, and socio-economic transformation in the region.
“Since 2019, five mega-size vocational training institutes have been constructed alongside 19 smaller technical and vocational training institutes across the state to promote skill development, create job opportunities and empower the youths at large,” Gov Zulum stated.