No fewer than 100 masons in Plateau State comprising both male and female have been empowered with National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Level 2 certification and starter packs following a vocational training programme implemented by Potter 7 Limited in partnership with the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, with support from the World Bank.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC) Bukuru in Jos South Local Government Area, brought together stakeholders from the construction industry, government institutions, traditional leadership, and the education sector. The event highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education as a means of promoting employment and self-reliance.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Potter 7 Limited, Bldr. Lawrence Gabriel Manggei, expressed joy and pride in the graduating masons, describing the event as a celebration of skills, hard work, and dedication.
Manggei commended the IDEAS Project and the World Bank for their support in advancing youth empowerment through skills acquisition. He urged the graduates to use their starter packs as tools for business development and community service, stressing that the items symbolize trust and opportunity.
“Quality work, integrity, and continuous learning are essential,” Manggei said, charging the beneficiaries to uphold professional standards and make positive contributions within their communities.
Providing an overview of the initiative, Prince Iheanacho, who represented the IDEAS Project Coordinator, Mr. Blessing Ogwu, described the programme as a celebration of skills, resilience, and the dignity of labour. He also applauded the inclusion of young women in a trade traditionally dominated by men.
Prince Iheanacho disclosed that the IDEAS Project, which was fully launched in 2022, has renovated and equipped 38 technical colleges nationwide with more than 100 modern workshops, in addition to training numerous technical teachers and master craft persons across the country.
He added that following a restructuring in 2023, the project now focuses on market-relevant skills aimed at self-reliance. According to him, the Plateau State graduates are part of a pilot phase that has trained over 1,000 youths, with plans to scale up the initiative across Nigeria.
While presenting certificates and starter packs to the graduates, former Plateau State Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Bldr. Adedeji Paul Adeleye, advised the beneficiaries to value competence above certificates. He encouraged them to use their tools responsibly, uphold professionalism, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
One of the beneficiaries, Yusuf Gyang, expressed appreciation to Potter 7 Limited and the IDEAS Project for delivering quality training, praising the instructors for their dedication, practical teaching approach, and guidance in professional standards.
Another beneficiary, Naomi Magaji, described the empowerment programme as rewarding, referring to the graduates as “awesome” and expressing happiness over the opportunity to participate.
In special remarks, the Gwom Rwei Kuru of Jos South, Da Pius Jugu, encouraged the graduates to apply their skills practically in ways that would benefit both themselves and the nation.
Former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Fom Dalyop Gwottson, emphasized entrepreneurship and professionalism, urging the graduates to utilize their skills and starter packs responsibly to positively impact their communities.
Bldr. A . A Okwa, Director General of C-STEMP praised the competence displayed by the graduates, noting that the NSQ certificate is nationally and globally recognized. He also highlighted the contributions of female assistants and stressed the critical role artisans play in national development.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Plateau State Ministry of Education, the Director of Administration, Mr. Audu Alanjong, commended the programme for promoting quality building skills. He encouraged the graduates to share their knowledge and emphasized the importance of women’s participation in the initiative.
Hon. Chomoshen Emmanuel of the Jos South Legislative Arm praised the initiative for bridging skill gaps among masons and artisans. He urged the beneficiaries to take their training seriously, use the starter tools effectively, and contribute positively to their communities.
In a goodwill message, the Pioneer Female Principal of GSTC Bukuru, Mrs. Wambutda Patu, commended the IDEAS Project for empowering the graduates and emphasized the need for collaboration, mentorship, and sustained partnerships to strengthen youth skills and the TVET community.
Also speaking, the Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. John Iliya, praised Potter 7 Limited and the IDEAS Project for supporting skills development. He encouraged the graduates to apply their skills effectively, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to the growth and development of Plateau State and Nigeria.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Plateau State’s vocational training efforts and underscored the critical role of skilled artisans in driving socio-economic growth.
