The National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) has organized a statewide sensitization training for secondary schools in Bayelsa State, with the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Innovators: NACETEM’s Educational Outreach Programme for Secondary Schools.”

The event, held over the weekend at the Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali Conference Hall, Federal Secretariat, Oxbow Lake, Yenagoa, brought together students, educators, and stakeholders to engage with cutting-edge ideas on technology, innovation, and digital skills development.

Speaking at the event, the Zonal Coordinator of NACETEM, South-South, Mr. Stephen Osho, said the programme was designed to explore the vast opportunities that technology offers and its potential to reshape Nigeria’s future.

According to him, the alarming rate of unemployment makes it imperative to highlight the importance of technical and vocational education, which equips people with practical skills directly applicable to various jobs.

‘’By focusing on technological entrepreneurship, we can empower our youth to create their own businesses, thereby reducing dependence on white-collar jobs. This approach not only stimulates innovation but also boosts productivity and generates employment.

‘’Vocational education provides hands-on training, enabling students to develop industry-relevant skills. It equips graduates with the right skills to secure employment quickly or start their own businesses. In addition, technical and vocational education drives innovation and productivity, thereby contributing significantly to economic development.

‘’To move Nigeria forward, we need to prioritize technical and vocational education by providing incentives for students to enroll and excel in these fields. The recent announcement by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to reform Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, focusing on 80% practical learning and 20% theoretical learning, is a step in the right direction.

‘’As stakeholders in education and technology, it is our collective responsibility to promote and support technical and vocational education. By working together, we can ensure that our youths are equipped with the right skills and knowledge necessary to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.

In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Commission for Education, Dr. Gentle E. Emelah, represented by Dr. Alatimiboere Alem Enaregha, Director of Science, Technology, Higher Education, and E-Learning at the Ministry of Education, commended NACETEM for its forward-looking initiative.

While noting that the training aligns with the Ministry’s vision to reposition education through science, technology, and innovation, Dr Enaregha stressed that the future belongs to those who can apply knowledge creatively.

Two lecturers from the African University of Science and Technology, Drs Abdulmalik Usman Bello and Abdulhakeem Bello, gave a detailed lecture on the intersections of technology and engineering, equipping participants with insights into real-world applications of emerging tools.

Other notable attendees included Hon. Marshal Abraham, Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Bayelsa, Mr. Collins Kanu, Director of HRM, NACETEM, Engr. Godgift Ebe, Director of Planning, NACETEM, Engr. Seigha Guinus, HOD Training, NACETEM, Mr. Sam Opeyemi of Next Level Modern Engineering Innovation.

The event also had the participation of several secondary schools across the state, including Baptist Comprehensive School, BDGS, AKIA Agbara Kenny Anointed International, Spring International, Saith Ajayi International, St. Judas Girls Secondary School, AMIST Ayama, Motosori International Tombia, Ayakpo School, GSS Toru-Ebeni, and CCSS Biogbolo.