Follow Us on Google
By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) alongside some of its partners have stepped in to address the shortage of artisans in the oil and gas industry.
To this end, the Board recently collaborated with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Total Energies Ltd to transform Government Technical College (GTC), Port Harcourt, Rivers State into a center of excellence for the training of craftsmen who will support activities in the oil and gas industry and the wider economy.
Speaking at the weekend in Port Harcourt, when he performed the groundbreaking for the upgrade projects being executed by SPDC, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, hinted that the construction works will bring back the glorious days of the institution and its students, and hopefully the trainees will lead the charge for the creation of employment for youths and wealth generation for the Nigerian economy.
The projects to be executed by SPDC at the school include the construction of 4-units of world-class technical workshops and an information and communication centre and they are in fulfillment of SPDC’s commitment to the NCDMB’s human capital development programmes.
He added that the availability of skilled and qualified Nigerian craftsmen will reduce the dependence on foreign artisans and further deepen the practice of Nigerian Content.
A few weeks ago, Total Energies started the construction of a 25–classroom block, 200–bed students hostel and another technical workshop within theschool. In addition, the Board has commenced the upgrade of the Teachers’ Quarters and the Principal’s Official Quarters in the school.
He explained that the Board places high premium on technical, vocational education and training institutions (TVETs) as they are important in the development of skilled craftsmen urgently required for the delivery of projects in the oil and gas industry and other key sectors of the economy.
The NCDMB boss further explained that the Board initiated a pilot study in 2018 across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers State, to examine the state of technical, vocational education and training and unravel the cause of the shortage of qualified Nigerian artisans needed for the execution of projects in the oil and gas industry.
He noted that the study found that infrastructure and facilities in over 100 schools were in a dilapidated state, the teachers and students poorly trained and motivated, hence a recommendation for immediate upgrade of facilities in vocational schools across the country and retraining of technical teachers.
