Yaba College of Technology, (Yabatech) Skills Acquisition Centre, donated by the richest woman in Africa, Apostle Folorunsho Alakija, has graduated, thirty-eight (38) trainees during its fourth Graduation Ceremony.
The Centre that commenced operation in 2018 is saddled with the responsibility to provide young people 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.
In declaring the graduation ceremony opened, the rector of the college, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul 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.
According to him, “today, we honour the achievements of our graduates and acknowledge the bright future that lies ahead. 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 that “my heartfelt congratulations go to the graduands of the prestigious centre, and as you leave this institution, seize every opportunity, embrace every challenge and make a lasting impact on the world. May your journey be filled with endless possibilities and unique success”.
During her welcome address, the co-ordinator of the Centre, Mrs. Ogbonna Ogechi 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 that will be self-reliant in different spheres of life.
Ogechi disclosed that competent hands were employed at the centre to train the students and ensure that best values and knowledge are what the trainees get out of their desired vocations.
She explained that the 38 graduating trainees have shown exceptional learning skills, alongside responsibility and dedication to their craft during the course of their programs, and certificate of completion will be handed over to them during the convocation ceremony.
In her words, 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 in getting 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 graduands and advised them that they should not overprice themselves but start small from somewhere.
She said that challenges are catalyst for development and can lead to self awareness depending on the way one faced to determine whether you are truly creative or not.
She opined that challenges are the opportunities for growth while success can only be achieved if one is smart and diligent.
