The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project has commenced a mechatronics training program for 100 beneficiaries from Ogoni, reinforcing its commitment to human capacity development for youths and women in the area.
The high-demand skills training, held on January 20, 2026, at the Offshore Technology Institute of the University of Port Harcourt, forms part of HYPREP’s sustainable livelihood initiative aimed at moving beneficiaries from low-end to high-end technical competencies with strong labour market relevance.
At the opening ceremony, HYPREP reaffirmed that the programme aligns with its broader strategy to equip Ogoni people with advanced, future-ready skills. The mechatronics training is one of ten high-end skills programmes being rolled out this year, reflecting a deliberate shift towards globally competitive and technologically driven training options. Beneficiaries were urged to take full advantage of the opportunity, as the programme was carefully designed to meet industry standards through the selection of a reputable training institute and qualified facilitators.
The University of Port Harcourt also commended the initiative, noting that mechatronics is a globally relevant and economically viable skill set with applications across multiple industries. Participants were encouraged to demonstrate commitment and discipline throughout the training period in order to maximise its long-term benefits.
The training consultant explained that the four-month programme will combine theoretical instruction with intensive hands-on practice. The curriculum is designed to build problem-solving capacity for complex engineering challenges, strengthen project and team management skills within modern digital oil and gas environments, and promote adherence to safety regulations, environmental standards and ethical practices.
The Community leaders and industry representatives present at the event highlighted the significant opportunities associated with mechatronics, describing the training as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and improved employability. Support for the Ogoni Cleanup Programme and HYPREP’s human capacity development efforts was reiterated, with assurances of continued collaboration.
An orientation lecture on the role of mechatronics in the Fourth Industrial Revolution further exposed participants to the evolving demands of technology-driven industries and the need to position themselves for emerging opportunities.
HYPREP’s sustainable livelihood unit expressed satisfaction with the commencement of the programme, stressing that capacity development and value addition remain central to the Project’s mandate. The training is expected to better prepare beneficiaries for changing industry needs while contributing to long-term socio-economic development in Ogoni.
The 100 beneficiaries were selected through a computer-based test conducted in February 2023. HYPREP has also announced plans to roll out additional high-demand skills training this year, including full-stack development, GIS and remote sensing, cybersecurity, rope access, commercial diving and underwater welding, mud logging and agricultural skills enhancement. Details on selection criteria for upcoming programmes will be shared through the Project’s official communication channels.
