The Director of Science, Engineering and Technology Project (SET-P), University of Calabar, Prof. Ernest Asikong has urged Nigerian students, particularly those from the University of Calabar to take advantage of the Creative Programmes SET-P offers.
Prof. Asikong gave the advice during the orientation organised for freshmen admitted into the University of Calabar for the 2022/2023 Academic session held at the institution’s International Conference Center.
He said SET-P which is a collaborative initiative of the Nigerian Universities Commission, TETFUND and Skill G (Technical Partners) is in response to the presidential initiative to revitalize Science, Engineering and Technology education and training in Nigeria geared towards bridging the gap between tertiary education and employment.
According to him, the future belongs to those who learn more skills and apply them in creative ways, adding that, over 80% of modern graduates are not employed based on their degree certificates or qualification but based on the skills they acquired.
This is even as he said SET-P programmes or courses are geared towards ensuring students or trainees benefit maximally from the practical skills that will empower young Nigerians to engage in innovative, production activities and training that can give true meaning for self-employment and placements in work places.
He outlined the skills Acquisition certification programmes domicile in the SET-P Directorate to include: Computer Software, Maintenance/ Repairs, Installation and Operations; Solar energy principles, installation and Maintenance; Paint Production; Electrical installations and Leather and Shoe Works.
Others include: Popular Electronics (Robotics, indoor intelligent, Street lights and security); CCTV installations; Cameras Drones/ Security Surveillance, Operations and Maintenance Training; Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Professional Certifications.
Also available at SET-P are; Refrigerator/Air- Conditioning (RAC) Maintenance, Installations and Repairs, (Home, CAR ACs and industrial, Auto Electrical Training); Mechatronics/ Pneumatics, Hydraulic Operations, Basic and Advance training skills in Autotronics/Auto mechanic, Auto Electrical, Auto Panel works, Auto Spray Painting and Auto computerized Diagnosis and many other creative programmes.
He said to achieve the desired result for these Programmes, SET-P has established collaboration with Prosper Great HITECH Computer Repairs and Software, Mandilas Enterprise Limited, Praise Real Ventures, Mafan skills and Business School for solar and CCTV installations and other multinational companies.
He noted that, there are various Certificate Courses available at the Directorate of SET-P, adding that, if one acquired any of it, one can be gainfully employed in an establishment that needs his/her services or, one could as well establish his/her own Enterprise.
He further explained that to register in any of the certificate courses available, only Six thousand, five hundred naira (#6500) as approved by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar Prof. Florence Obi is required adding #5000 is for specialized skills Acquisition while #1500 is for Foundation SET-P practicals.
While encouraging the students and youths to take advantage of this life changing opportunity, he informed that, the Programmes is open for both students and non-students who are desirous of learning a skill.
EDITORIAL
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