Yabatech Graduates 38 Vocational Skills Trainees in Fourth Graduation Ceremony

Yaba College of Technology Lagos has graduated 38 trainees during its fourth graduation ceremony.

Dec 19, 2023 - 09:34 Updated: Dec 20, 2023 - 00:08

Yabatech Graduates 38 Vocational Skills Trainees in Fourth Graduation Ceremony

Yaba College of Technology, (Yabatech) Lagos, Skills Acquisition Centre, donated by Apostle Folorunsho Alakija, has graduated 38 trainees during its fourth graduation ceremony. The Centre commenced its operation in 2018, and saddled with the responsibility to provide young people both men and women with abilities that are needed in the local labour market. The curriculum prepares students for self-employment, through training courses, the apprenticeship are guided through every aspect of their chosen trade.

The Rector of the College, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul while opening the ceremony said that the ceremony of the 2023 graduating class of the Alakija Skill Acquisition Centre marked the culmination of months of hard work, dedication and perseverance.

In his words, “I want to express my heartfelt congratulations. Each one of you has shown exceptional courage, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence throughout your training journey of your chosen skills. You have overcome countless obstacles, tackled complex problems and embrace a spirit of continuous learning.

“We celebrate your accomplishments and acknowledge the immense potential that resides within each of you. Your creativity, intellect and passion hold the key to shaping a better future for yourself and for generation to come,” he added.

The Coordinator of the Centre, Mrs. Ogbonna Ogechi during her welcome address, hinted that since the establishment of the centre, it has been training both men and women in skills such as Fashion Design; Tailoring, Hair Dressing, Braiding, Wig Production, Make-up, Gele Tying, Plumbing Technology, Welding & Fabrication, Hospitality & Event Management, Tie & Dying, Screen Printing, Hat Making, Auto Servicing, Catering Pastry Production, Cake Decoration, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Repairing & Servicing, production of Soap, Skin Care, and Facial Massage all in a bid to actualize the mission and vision of bringing up inspiring and discerning individuals who will be self-reliant in different spheres of life.

Mrs. Ogechi disclosed that competent hands were employed at the centre to train the students and ensure that the best values and knowledge are what the trainees get out of their desired vocations. She further explained that the 38 graduating trainees have shown exceptional learning skills, alongside responsibility and dedication to their craft during their programs, and a certificate of completion will be handed over to them during the convocation ceremony.

According to her, “Nowadays, the acquisition of vocational skills cannot be over-emphasized, this is because the more we give importance to skill development, the more competent will be our youth.

“The process of poverty alleviation and keeping the youth off the street begins with training. The Socioeconomic situation in the country has compounded the inability of many to get formal education and white-collar jobs.”

The Convocation ceremony Chairman and the Rector of Redeemer College of Technology (RECTEM), Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Awoh-Mofunanya congratulated the graduates and advised them that they should not overprice themselves but start small from somewhere.

She said that challenges are catalysts for development and can lead to self-awareness depending on the way one faces to determine whether you are truly creative or not. She also opined that challenges are opportunities for growth while success can only be achieved if one is smart and diligent.