The federal government has expressed interest in collaborating with MOA Professional Institute, an accredited center of the City & Guilds of London Institute, to promote skills acquisition among Nigerians, reduce unemployment, and stimulate economic growth. MOA Professional Institute specializes in providing technical, vocational, and professional training, offering a wide range of industry-relevant courses designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in their careers.
The director general of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Kazeem Kolawole Raji, revealed this during the unveiling of MOA’s new center in Abuja. Represented by NBTI’s director of commercial services, Kalu Awa Kalu, Raji commended the institute for its mission and vision, emphasizing the board’s commitment to partnering with MOA, particularly in the certification of entrepreneurs.
“Many entrepreneurs are engaged in serious vocational activities, but I must commend the founder of this initiative. Entrepreneurship goes beyond buying and selling, and we are ready to collaborate with MOA in certifying entrepreneurs,” Raji stated. He added that the NBTI, which operates incubation clusters across the country, including in Nasarawa and Abuja, would work closely with the institute to achieve shared goals.
Also speaking at the event, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr. Onwusoro Ihemelandu, highlighted the ministry’s plans to collaborate with MOA in training its staff, particularly those nearing retirement. Represented by the director of human resources management, Dr. Henrietta Okafor, the permanent secretary praised the institute’s initiative and stressed the importance of skills acquisition in everyday life.
“In addition to our regular staff training programs, we intend to introduce skills acquisition initiatives for retiring officers. Many retirees often feel uncertain about their next steps, but with such training, they can gain valuable skills to sustain themselves post-retirement,” she explained.
Engr. Olajire Adeleke, managing director and CEO of MOA Professional Institute, expressed optimism about the institute’s expansion plans. He noted that the Abuja center would serve as a springboard to extend MOA’s reach across northern Nigeria, providing opportunities for self-employment and economic empowerment.
“This is the perfect time to use Abuja as a hub to connect with other regions. Our goal is to ensure that the northern part of the country benefits from the same opportunities available in the southwest. We already have candidates from organizations like Peugeot in Kaduna and the oil and gas sector enrolled in our programs. Establishing this center in Abuja is a strategic move to serve the indigenous population and expand our impact across northern states,” Adeleke said.
The partnership between the federal government and MOA Professional Institute underscores a shared commitment to addressing unemployment and fostering economic development through skills acquisition and vocational training. By equipping Nigerians with relevant skills, the initiative aims to empower individuals, enhance productivity, and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity.
