Nigeria’s Ministry of Steel Development has successfully wrapped up its first-ever Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Boot Camp, celebrating the graduation of 700 young Nigerians at the Metallurgical Training Institute (MTI), Onitsha, Anambra State.
The program focused on equipping participants with hands-on skills in welding, fabrication, metallurgy, instrumentation, control systems, and equipment maintenance—key areas for boosting industrial growth.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, praised the graduates during the closing ceremony, aligning the initiative with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to combat unemployment and revitalize key sectors.
“Our aim was to empower Nigerian youth with practical skills to drive the steel industry forward and support national development,” he said.
Out of over 225,000 applicants, only 700 were selected, showing strong interest in vocational training. The Minister encouraged graduates to view their new skills as a stepping stone toward entrepreneurship and pledged continued support for promising ventures.
Starter kits were distributed, symbolizing a fresh start for the participants. Audu assured them of ongoing ministry engagement and opportunities for growth.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Commissioner Christian Udechukwu, applauded the program and urged beneficiaries to utilize state-provided grants and credit schemes to kickstart their careers.
Senator Patrick Ndubueze, through his representative Chief Ethelbert Nwachukwu, advocated for the boot camp to become a yearly federal initiative, promising legislative backing and budgetary inclusion.
Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, called the event a “launchpad” for future innovators and entrepreneurs, stressing its importance for national economic transformation.
Media aide Lizzy Okoji revealed that the selection process was transparent, inclusive of all 36 states and the FCT. Participants also received mentorship and real-life exposure to challenges within the metals industry.
