PTI Boss Flags Off FME-TVET Skills Acquisition Programme
By Wilson Macaulay
EFFURUN — The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Training Institute, Engr. Samuel Onoji, has flagged off the Federal Ministry of Education Technical and Vocational Education and Training, FME-TVET, Skills Acquisition Training Programme at the conference centre of the institute in Effurun, Delta State.
Speaking during the flag-off and induction ceremony, Onoji described the programme as another significant milestone in PTI’s commitment to skills development and youth empowerment.
According to him, the initiative was designed to expose trainees to structured practical training, workplace ethics, safety standards, assessment procedures and quality assurance systems aimed at producing competent and employable youths.
He explained that the programme seeks to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, occupational competence and the right attitude needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
The PTI boss noted that the programme was also part of ongoing efforts to reduce unemployment by empowering youths with hands-on skills capable of creating economic value within their communities and across the nation.
He stressed that the modern labour market now places greater value on competence and practical abilities rather than certificates alone.
According to him, industries and employers are increasingly looking for individuals who can solve problems, safely operate tools and equipment, work collaboratively and deliver quality services.
Onoji further described the programme as a reflection of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the Federal Ministry of Education to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training as a key driver of youth empowerment, job creation, economic growth and national development.
He reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to practical training and competency-based education for the oil and gas industry and related sectors
The PTI Chief Executive disclosed that the institute had successfully completed the training of the first cohort of 200 trainees under the FME-TVET programme, leading to PTI’s upgrade to a Grade A Training Centre.
He described the upgrade as recognition of the institute’s quality facilities, training delivery capacity and commitment to national standards.
Onoji urged the trainees to see themselves as ambassadors of PTI and future contributors to national development.
Also speaking, the Registrar and Secretary to Council of the institute, Mr. Isaac Fregene, described the programme as a transformative initiative strategically designed to address unemployment in the country.
Fregene said the FME-TVET training programme was a timely intervention aimed at bridging skill gaps and accelerating national development.
“Skill is the new currency of national prosperity,” he stated, adding that the institute was committed to producing job creators rather than job seekers.
In her remarks, the Acting Chief Coordinator of the Skills Development Academy, SDA, Mrs. Susan E. Oyeleye, said skilled individuals and entrepreneurs remain critical drivers of economic growth and future development.
She noted that people with skills and entrepreneurial spirit often see opportunities where others see problems.
Oyeleye encouraged the trainees not to give up, stressing that the flag-off ceremony marked the beginning of their future success and growth.
“The path to success may sometimes be difficult, but with perseverance, there is always light at the end of the tunnel,” she advised.
Engr. Dr. Abubakar Edicha, Centre Coordinator of the National Skills Qualification Department, NSQD, in his speech said the second cohort of the FME-TVET trainees would be equipped across 16 identified technical skill areas to bridge the unemployment gap among youths in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
