The Ondo State Government has commenced a free trade test and certification programme for 500 young artisans as part of efforts to improve their employability, promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the state’s skilled workforce.
The programme, organised by the Ondo State Board for Adult, Technical and Vocational Education in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the German Centre for Migration and Development, is designed to formally recognise practical skills acquired by artisans outside the conventional education system.
Flagging off the programme in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the initiative as a strategic intervention in youth empowerment and sustainable economic development.
Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, said technical and vocational skills were critical to economic growth, noting that artisans such as electricians, automobile technicians and other skilled workers played important roles in driving economic activities and improving livelihoods.
He said acquiring skills without formal recognition could limit the opportunities available to artisans, stressing that certification would provide evidence of competence and increase the confidence of employers and customers.
“Skills must not only be acquired, they must also be properly assessed, recognised and certified. Certification provides artisans with evidence of competence and gives prospective employers and customers greater confidence in their abilities,” he said.
The governor said the certification would make the beneficiaries more competitive and enable them to access employment opportunities, expand their businesses and contribute more effectively to the state’s economy.
He urged the beneficiaries to see their certificates as evidence of competence and professionalism rather than mere documents, charging them to use their skills responsibly and continually improve their expertise.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari, represented by the Ondo State Controller of the ministry, Mrs Olanike Mogboruko, said the changing nature of the global labour market had increased the demand for technical and vocational skills.
She identified renewable energy, particularly solar technology, as an emerging area with significant opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and employment.
“The world of work is changing rapidly, and the demand for technical and vocational skills continues to increase,” she said.
She added that solar energy and related renewable technologies were becoming increasingly important as alternative energy sources and areas of economic opportunity.
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The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Vocational and Technical Education, Tayo Oluyi, said the programme was introduced to formally recognise artisans who had acquired practical skills but lacked government-approved certificates to advance their careers.
Oluyi said the absence of certification had limited the ability of some skilled artisans to secure employment with industries and other relevant organisations.
“The essence of this certification is to address the situation of artisans who are truly skilled but have no certification that could advance their careers and make them more employable by industries and relevant agencies,” he said.
He explained that the beneficiaries were selected through an online application process conducted in line with federal guidelines, adding that applicants between 18 and 35 years were considered.
Oluyi disclosed that the state government was also expanding opportunities for young people through specialised vocational training programmes.
He said the government, in collaboration with ISA Public Health Services, was training 50 automobile technicians in compressed natural gas conversion and maintenance.
According to him, vocational and technical institutions in the state currently offer training in trades including electrical installation, welding and fabrication, motor mechanics, refrigeration and air-conditioning, solar photovoltaic installation, computer hardware maintenance, plumbing, tiling, GSM repairs and agriculture.
He said the expansion of training and certification programmes was part of the government’s efforts to equip young people with practical skills that could translate into employment, self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
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