A new technology-driven training centre has opened in Owerri. Uzodimma hails NASENI initiative is expected to equip young Nigerians with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
OWERRI, IMO STATE — Governor Hope Uzodimma has applauded the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for establishing a Skills Acquisition Centre in Owerri under the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP). Speaking during the commissioning of the facility, the governor described the project as a major investment in human capital development, saying the Uzodimma NASENI partnership aligns with efforts to prepare young people for opportunities in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. He noted that expanding access to practical skills remains essential to reducing unemployment, strengthening small businesses and driving long-term economic growth in Imo State and across Nigeria.
According to Governor Uzodimma, empowering young people with modern technical and vocational skills is one of the most effective ways to address unemployment while creating a workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrial ambitions. He stressed that investments in technology and skills development will not only encourage entrepreneurship but also improve productivity across critical sectors of the economy. The governor commended NASENI for complementing the state’s development agenda through programmes designed to equip youths with knowledge that can translate into sustainable income and self-reliance.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the newly commissioned centre demonstrates the agency’s commitment to building the skilled workforce needed to support Nigeria’s industrial transformation. According to him, the facility will provide practical, industry-relevant training aimed at encouraging innovation, improving technical competence and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Halilu explained that the initiative is consistent with NASENI’s strategic pillars of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialization, which seek to bridge the gap between innovation and economic development through technology-driven solutions.
Checks by Extra News Nigeria indicate that the establishment of more vocational and technology training centres has become increasingly important as governments seek lasting solutions to youth unemployment. Industry experts believe that strengthening technical education will help produce graduates with practical competencies required in manufacturing, engineering, information technology, renewable energy and other emerging sectors. Residents in Owerri who spoke with Extra News Nigeria welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the centre would create opportunities for young people to acquire marketable skills and establish small businesses capable of contributing to the state’s economy.
The commissioning of the Skills Acquisition Centre comes as Nigeria continues to pursue policies aimed at diversifying the economy through industrialisation, innovation and entrepreneurship. Stakeholders say sustained collaboration between federal agencies, state governments and the private sector will be essential to ensuring that such centres deliver measurable results in employment creation and enterprise development. As training activities begin at the facility, many will be watching to see how the Uzodimma NASENI initiative contributes to developing a new generation of skilled professionals capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrial growth and technological advancement.
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