A private-sector engineering firm has begun the construction of a three-million-euro technical, vocational, and educational training centre in Ogun State to strengthen Nigeria’s technical manpower, particularly in the electricity sector. The groundbreaking ceremony, held last Friday, marked the start of a project funded through an African Union skills initiative in partnership with continental development agencies and international supporters.
According to the organisation behind the project, the funding was secured through a continental skills development window designed to support large-scale initiatives that can tackle long-standing gaps in technical competence across African countries. At the event, a presidential special adviser described the centre as a model for private-sector-led skills expansion, especially for sectors experiencing manpower shortages such as smart metering, electrical maintenance, renewable energy systems, and safety practices in electrotechnology.
He said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of reducing reliance on foreign artisans while building a more technologically capable workforce. According to him, the project represents opportunity and hope for young Nigerians seeking employability or pathways into entrepreneurship, especially in industries shaped by rapid technological change.
A representative from a continental development agency said the institution would become a transformational hub for technical and vocational education, equipping young Africans with competencies that open doors to sustainable livelihoods. He emphasised that vocational learning is not an alternative track but a key driver of dignity, economic opportunity, and regional competitiveness. He added that the centre’s focus on electrotechnology and renewable energy, including solar photovoltaic systems, would not only support efforts to tackle youth unemployment but also contribute to solving the country’s ongoing energy challenges. He highlighted plans for modern curricula aligned with national standards and scholarships to ensure equitable access.
In her goodwill message, the president of a national engineering association praised the project as timely, noting that the country urgently needs a stronger pool of skilled personnel to support infrastructure development, industrial expansion, and technological progress. She urged stronger collaboration from government and industry to ensure the centre delivers its intended impact.
The promoter of the project said the goal is to equip young Nigerians with employable skills that enable them to escape poverty and participate meaningfully in the country’s economic growth sectors. According to him, support from development partners would enable the acquisition of advanced training equipment and open doors for Nigerian technicians to gain international exposure. He added that the centre would accelerate Nigeria’s clean energy transition by training workers in solar installations, energy-storage systems, and other renewable technologies. Construction is expected to run for twelve months, with the contractor funded directly by the development agency.
The group’s managing director described the project as a significant milestone, noting that global economic trends reaffirm that the future belongs to countries that prioritise skills acquisition. He said the organisation is positioning Nigeria’s youth to contribute productively to national development and global opportunities.
For MSMEs across Africa, the centre’s establishment signals a future where access to skilled technicians becomes easier and more affordable, reducing operational costs for small businesses that depend on reliable electrical systems, renewable energy solutions, and technical support. A stronger technical workforce also increases the capacity of small enterprises to install, maintain, and innovate around energy solutions, helping them remain competitive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
