Federal Government to Provide Training and ISO Certification for Welders
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, emphasizes the need for training and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification for Nigerian welders to enhance manpower for socio-economic development.
Nnaji made these remarks during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Centre for Technology Management, academia, the private sector, and industry stakeholders for vocational skills certification in Abuja. ISO certification ensures that a management system, manufacturing process, service, or documentation procedure meets all requirements for standardization and quality assurance.
The minister disclosed that, through the Nigeria Welding Institute, the Federal Government plans to establish training hubs in the six geopolitical zones of the country to train welders and issue them ISO certificates. He expressed concern about the shortage of certified artisans and skilled manpower in the country. Nnaji assured that with ISO certification, Nigerian welders would be equipped to secure gainful and professional employment both within and outside the country.
Nnaji highlighted the collaboration between the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), the Federal University of Technology, Minna, the private sector, and industry players to develop technological skills. He described the MoU as a significant milestone that would streamline the process of hiring skilled and technologically inclined Nigerians.
Dr. Olushola Odusanya, the Director-General of NACETEM, emphasized that while Nigerian universities issue degree certificates, skills development and certification are integral to the agency’s mandate. The partnership with the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Commit Technology, and Nero Logistics is expected to strengthen postgraduate studies, vocational training, and ICT certification in Nigeria. Odusanya highlighted the launch of new programs, including a Master’s Programme in Nanotechnology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Technology Management, aimed at addressing the evolving demands of the job market. Plans for a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing and a digital blood donor bank in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research are also underway.He further noted that such a move would help identify who the blood donors were, and in cases where there were issues of need, the database would be readily employed.
Odusanya hinted that the aforementioned efforts were in preparation and prelude to the NACETEM Academy.
