The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Prof. Mohammad Haruna, has said Nigeria needs to invest in technology because only countries investing in tech can succeed.
He said it was time to revive craft schools, technical and vocational centres, and technical colleges to train a critical mass of artisans needed by the country.
He noted that the quality of human capacity in a nation shaped and determined its progress.
A statement said Haruna spoke at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the NASENI Skill Acquisition Centre, Bagudo in Kebbi State. He explained that the construction of skill development centers was to fill the technology gap vacuum and a shortage of artisans in the country.
He said, “It is the quality of human capacity in a nation that shapes and determines its progress and sustainable development and not commodity or natural resources.
“Experience has shown that countries that invest adequately in technology acquisition and deployment are the leaders in socio-economic development even if they import all raw material needs of their economy.”
He added, “Craft schools, technical and vocational centers and technical colleges to train critical mass of artisans needed by Nigeria have either been abolished in most states of the federation or have deteriorated in structures and in workshop equipment and laboratories.
“The skill development centers approved for establishment by President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rted.) for NASENI across the nation such as the one we are commencing construction in Kebbi are designed to meet the challenges of technology gap and fill the vacuum created by shortage of artisans, craftsmen, and women.”
“The centres will be adequately equipped with basics to advanced modern training facilities and equipment for training competitive workforce ready for self-employment generation and entrepreneurship.”
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