Managing Director, Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation, Mrs Bunmi Aderemi (left); Founder, Vocational and Professional Development Academy (VPDA), Mrs Ekua Abudu; Founder/President, Well being Foundation Africa Mrs. Toyin Saraki, and Chief Executive Officer, VPDA, Mr Harvey Smith during the opening of the academy in Yaba Lagos.
With an understanding that quality vocational education has the capability to create a number of economic benefits for both the individual and the nation, some stakeholders in the public and private sectors are collaborating to through the newly launched Vocational and Professional Development Academy (VPDA) Yaba, Lagos, deliver excellent vocational education to Nigerians.
Founder of the VPDA, Dr. Ekua Abudu, who spoke during the “Soft Opening ‘Building 1’” of the academy, said that seeing a Nigeria with a better and healthy workforce is the brain behind the establishment of the academy.
She said that the academy, which will formally commence academic activities next month, is committed to through its unique courses close the skills gap, reduce unemployment in the country and bring about economic growth. These courses, she explained are globally recognised programmes, which provide a good pathway to employment in the construction, maintenance, services and related industries.
She added that the academy would offer courses in plumbing, electrical installations, plastering, carpentry and woodwork, bricklaying, refrigerating and air-conditioning. There would also be courses in ICT, film production, food safety and hygiene for the hospitality industry, as well as specialised programmes in oil and gas sector. All these she noted are designed to offer opportunity for those who cannot access the formal education to receive certified training in their field of interest.
She said, “Consistent questions that came to mind included why workmen fixed the same thing again and again? Why do most of the Nigerian Construction sites employ Togolese and Ghanaians and Chinese? So many claim to have received some form of training and yet they are still unemployable. This, coupled with repeated problems with electricity and plumbing at my home and in my business, increased my passion to start a vocational school, but one with the highest standards, which is why we commenced talks with City and Guilds.
“The Yaba academy is a pilot and the first of many branches which will be replicated through Lagos, Nigeria and parts of West Africa. Delivering excellent standard of education, which meets international standards is our major goal. This is why we offer International Vocational Qualifications, and we have partnered with International Awarding Bodies and Vocational Colleges in the United Kingdom, leveraging on best practice in vocational education delivery, thus ensuring our qualifications meet international industry standards.”
Commending the Custodian Insurance Plc., for their support, Abudu expressed hope that the academy will meet and surpass its expected goals. She also lauded the board members of the academy.
Chairperson of Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation, Mrs Mimi Ade Odiachi, said that when individuals are well trained to enter the workforce, they become competitive and the society benefits. “So our major concern is to narrow the skill gap so more people will be employable.
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