In a strong show of commitment to build technical careers of youths, the Ondo State Government has affirmed its readiness to partner Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), for automobile mechanic graduates, affording them viable opportunities with modern technology and real-world jobs even before graduation.
This affirmation was made through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education, Ogbeni Tayo Oluyi, when he led a high-level delegation team on an official visit to Toyota Nigeria Limited, in Lagos.
The SSA expressed appreciation to TNL for receiving the delegation, describing the visit as a response to the issued correspondence from the company and an opportunity for Ondo State Government to interface directly with the TNL management on possible collaborations.
The SSA disclosed that, the Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, specifically acknowledges their commitment to Technical Education development for Ondo State Youths which has enabled gainful employment opportunities for them.
He outlined some of the roles of the Board for Adult, Technical and Vocational Education and enumerated the existing Technical Colleges spread across the 3 senatorial districts of the State namely: Akure, Idanre, Oke-Igbo, Okitipupa and Oka-Akoko. He also informed the team about the 23 Skills Acquisition centres which the State Government has kept functional to provide periodic training to interested persons with already acquired degrees from conventional institutions, desiring to learn a skill.
The SSA therefore appealed for more partnerships in the areas of mechanical engineering, vehicle body part repairs and other specialized areas for Technical College graduates as it pertains to the company needs, assuring them Ondo State Government would make good use of the available opportunities.
The H.O.D Service Department (TNL), Mr. Sylvester Enwere, who received the team, commended the delegates on behalf of the Ondo State Government, saying their decision to meet with TNL management was impressive and by so doing, have distinguished themselves among other States whom they issued correspondences to for partnership.
Mr. Enwere, informed the team that the Toyota service network, engages in conducting trainings packaged from the manufacturer and are largely geared towards technicians being able to repair Toyota vehicles, after which obtainable graded certifications would be issued.
According to him, the TNL has decided to improve upon this by creating an academy whereby technicians would be given foundational training to learn the generic skills for any kind of automobile and would later be trained to specialize in the Toyota business.
Among areas requiring attention in specialized training, he said were: Advance body and paint technicians, spare part, service management and specialized technicians.
Mr. Enwere, said it was worthy of mention that some graduates from the Technical College, Owo, were able to distinguish themselves in their performances at the company, noting it as the major reason TNL decided to embark on additional search for youths in the technical colleges towards the drive for human capacity and technology development.
He observed that the discussions from the meeting served as an eye-opener for the company, noting that the management would scale-up their proposed operations to accommodate more youths for skills acquisition in the State.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olatunji Olusiji, appreciated TNL for extending their hands of fellowship to the State. He stated that Ondo State is blessed with ample number of Technical College graduates and more who are still undergoing training, saying that they are being prepared for the State’s Industrial revolution.
Also speaking, the Principal, Government Technical College, Owo, Mr. Ayodele Thompson, re-affirmed that the State reposes trust in TNL to ensure Youths get top-notch training in both aptitude and practical knowledge, even as he assured them of adequate support with infrastructure and proficient graduates.
Present at the meeting were the Field Operating Engineer, Mr. Emmanuel Uzonwan and Technical Manager, Mr. Bamidele Adedoja.
Debbie Funmilayo
Information Officer
Board for Adult, Technical and Vocational Education