The Lagos State Government has extended its Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP), an initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment and bridging the gap between academic learning and practical workplace experiences. Originally set to close on August 2, the registration period has been extended by one week to allow more youths to register via wealthcreation.lagosstateGIPP2024.
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, encouraged post-NYSC graduates to seize this opportunity to enhance their employability. The “Empower Lagos Initiative,” a 36-month project, aims to address skill gaps and promote economic growth by creating sustainable wealth for at least 10,000 beneficiaries across various industries.
Ajigbotafe emphasized the pressing challenges of unemployment, underemployment, and economic inequality in the state, noting that the GIPP is a comprehensive initiative crafted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. “We realized that there is a huge gap between academic learning and practical workplace experiences, which makes most graduates unemployable. The GIPP program is designed to bridge this gap, ensuring our graduates are fully prepared to excel in the workforce,” he said.
The program seeks to involve public and private establishments, with 30 companies already showing interest, aiming for a target of 100 companies.
Requirements for Aspiring Participants:
– Lagos State Resident Agency (LASSRA) Registration
– Post-NYSC Certificate
– Completion of a computer-based test that measures basic ability and personality
Program Components:
-Employability Skills Programme: Provides training for at least 2,000 first-degree holders, including specialized ICT training with certification upon completion.
– Vocational Skills Development Programme: Offers training and equipment grants for 5,000 artisans and tradesmen.
– Entrepreneurship Skills Development: Supports 3,000 small-scale business owners with training and start-up capital.
– Youth Empowerment in Blighted Areas: Provides special training and seed funding for youths in underserved communities, including POS machine/start-up seed support for 1,425 youths to establish micro-enterprises.
Ajigbotafe, while seeking financial support from the Lagos State Government and its partners, stated that stipends will be provided for all beneficiaries during the training and internship periods.
Additional Context:
The Lagos State Government recently disbursed N849,555,000 in scholarships and bursaries to 10,066 students in its tertiary institutions to enhance educational opportunities for residents. Specifically, N335,600,000 was designated for 1,591 beneficiaries under the 2022/2023 Scholarship Award and Governor’s Discretionary Awards. An additional N513,955,000 was allocated to 6,884 students as part of the 2022/2023 Bursary Award. Sule highlighted the impact of the T.H.E.M.E.S plus Agenda on advancing educational development in Lagos, showcasing the administration’s ongoing dedication to providing quality and accessible education.
