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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The International Centre for Migration Policy and Development (ICMPD), has launched a vocational training facility known as centre of practical skills as well as the European business Park at the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
The centers was created for high and professional training where people can find skilled workers with sustainable knowledge to become employers of labour to minimize the migration of Nigerians to Europe.
Speaking to journalists during a media facilities tour, the Director General of ICMPD, Michael Spindelegger said that the aim of the initiative was to create prospect for the local population and to specifically attract small and medium sized enterprise, SMEs, to Nigeria with its large and growing market of over 220 million people.
He stated that the Business Park overcomes all the three major barriers that prevents setting up SMEs in Africa, adding that the centre was built to European standard.
“This unique combination of private entrepreneur involvement and skilled worker training will enable 100 people per year to undertake dual education and training to learn skilled trades and become plumbers, electricians and construction supervisors.
“The companies located in the business Park will be responsible for the practical training, while the theory will be taught by the centre of practical skills.
“The business Park was set up by private investors. However, the centre of practical skills is implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy, ICMPD, in collaboration with private investors as well as the Australian Development Agency, ADA, while operational support is provided by the GIZ funded by the German government and Godfrey Okoye University is a local partner that provided the land for the site and certifies the education and training and provides opportunities for further professional improvement.
“Many European companies see the opportunities that exist in Africa makets. Usually, only the big ones dare to take the step. That is why we have created the conditions so that SMEs can also establish themselves in a secure and stable environment,” Spindelegger said.
He disclosed that many European companies are willing to contribute to the training of workers they will soon employ and as well participate in Nigeria’s growing and yet unpenetrated market of over 220 million people, adding that they would expand the training program from 2024 to include, building services, IT, food processing, textile and tourism.
“There are also plan to open a start-up centre in 2025, which will help people to become self employed and start their own business. The companies that have set up business here include the pipe systems producer, KE KELIT, construction company, Elite Bau, installation engineers, Elektro MERL and the baking company, Gragger,” Spindelegger disclosed.
Speaking during the commissioning, the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, VC, Prof Christian Anieke, expressing satisfaction, says, “the Park is one of our ESME projects (Eco-social Mark Economy), which includes our Centre of Practical Skills, CoPS, and Start-Up Project.
“Godfrey Okoye University sees its GO University-European Business Park as an unambiguous expression of its connectivity to the world of industry, which the university started pursuing by hosting the first ever town-and- gown assembly in a Nigerian university.
“Today our business park has become a reality. Some of the industries have already started their operations and businesses here. Global players like Kekelit is already here. With our huge business park under the directorship of Mr. Andreas Gebauer, Godfrey Okoye University has become the first university to attract big European companies in its business park, thus making us a university that is deeply connected with the world of industry”.
