Exit Of An Icon: A Tribute To Chief Ezeogo Uma Nchege Nwoke

   By Emeka Chiaghanam

In a bid to strengthen the role of technical education in driving national growth and development, the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Awka, has commissioned the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project.

This initiative focuses on advancing three key trades, designed to equip both students and non-students with cutting-edge skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. The IDEAS Project's priority trade workshops focus on Motor Vehicle Mechanics (MVM), Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Electronics (RTV/GSM Repair), and Catering Craft. These workshops empower participants with technical and entrepreneurial skills, fostering self-reliance and preparing them for success in today’s competitive landscape.

The event, held at the college auditorium and the commissioning at the various IDEAS facilities within the college premises, marked a first of its kind in the region, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank.

In her opening speech, the Director-Principal of FSTC Awka, Mrs. Margaret Mathew Nyah, expressed gratitude for the support from the Federal Ministry of Education, which secured funding for the IDEAS Project. She noted that the event was a significant milestone for the institution, marking the implementation of a Federal Government and World Bank-assisted initiative aimed at enhancing technical and vocational education in Nigeria.

Mrs. Nyah highlighted that the initiative was designed to improve skills acquisition in technical fields, benefiting selected federal and state technical colleges across Nigeria. She emphasized that FSTC Awka was fortunate to be one of the institutions benefiting from this project.

"The IDEAS Project comprises four components, including partnerships with industry to improve the quality and labor-market orientation of technical education, increasing the availability of skilled technical teachers, and strengthening the regulatory environment for skills development," she said.

Mrs. Nyah also mentioned that FSTC Awka had already trained qualified Quality Assurance Assessors, positioning the college as a provider of construction trades education. She assured the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank of the institution's commitment to effectively utilizing the resources to achieve the project's objectives, while expressing optimism for future developments in technical education at the college.

Mrs. Uche Mbogu, speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Education, Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, underscored the transformative power of education, particularly technical education, in shaping Nigeria's future.

She celebrated the IDEAS Project as a beacon of hope for students and a vital tool for enhancing the nation’s education system. Mrs. Mbogu also applauded the college principal, Mrs. Nyah, for her visionary leadership in bringing the project to fruition and for her unwavering dedication to uplifting the institution. As Mrs. Nyah prepares for new challenges, Mrs. Mbogu urged that the facilities be maintained and utilized to their fullest potential, ensuring that the legacy of progress she championed continues to thrive, serving future generations and advancing Nigeria's educational goals.

In her remarks, Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, National Project Coordinator for IDEAS at the Federal Ministry of Education, represented by Mr. Aleshe Ademuyiwa, Head of Procurement Unit, NPCU IDEAS Secretariat, expressed her pleasure at the commissioning of the IDEAS Project. She highlighted the significance of the event as a milestone in efforts to revamp the education sector, particularly in technical education.

Mrs. Ogwu noted that FSTC Awka is the first technical college to commission the upgraded workshop, marking a pivotal step towards addressing the skills gap in Nigeria’s labor market. She emphasized that the high rate of graduate unemployment is due to a lack of relevant skills that meet industry demands, noting that industries increasingly require a workforce with advanced knowledge and skills.

She commended development partners and urged the college to maintain the equipment properly, stressing that significant funds had been committed to the project, as part of the Federal Government’s drive to improve technical education.

Mrs. M.A. Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education Department at the Federal Ministry of Education, represented by Mr. Mathias Anrobi, described the project as a significant step towards transforming the education system and equipping students with the necessary skills for the future.

She emphasized that the IDEAS Project demonstrates the Ministry's commitment to fostering innovation and aligning education with industry standards. The new workshops, she noted, will provide hands-on training in various trades, including automotive technology and electronics, preparing students for the modern workforce. She affirmed that the project would empower students and contribute to the development of skilled professionals in Nigeria's evolving labor market.

The Project Manager of the IDEAS Project at FSTC Awka, Mr. Felix Duru, expressed his enthusiasm, noting that the project will address the skills gap in Nigeria’s labor market by providing modern training facilities. The new workshops, he said, would empower students with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and industries while fostering entrepreneurship. He acknowledged the contributions of donors, sponsors, and the project team in realizing this milestone. Mr. Duru encouraged students and graduates to seize the opportunities presented by the workshops, emphasizing their potential for self-reliance and success in the workforce.

Chief Laz Okafor, Permanent Secretary and Dikejiamatu I of Eziowelle, highlighted the importance of strong community-college partnerships in driving the success of educational institutions. He praised the principal, Mrs. Nyah, for her tireless efforts, which have transformed the college into a success story.

He urged the Federal Ministry of Education to encourage other schools to model the healthy collaboration between Awka Community and FSTC Awka, particularly since Mrs. Nyah assumed leadership.

Chief Okafor also expressed gratitude to the Ministry for retaining Mrs. Nyah when she was almost transferred, allowing her to complete the impactful work she began, which is now yielding remarkable results. Chief Okafor encouraged students and others to fully utilize the IDEAS Project facilities to enhance their own growth and contribute to societal advancement.

The School Head Boy, Mr. Chukwuemeka, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Principal, school management, Federal Ministry of Education, World Bank, and all contributors to the success of the IDEAS Project. He confidently assured that students would maximize the facilities, striving to become success stories themselves and contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria.

The event’s highlights included the unveiling and commissioning of the IDEAS Project’s three priority trade workshops for Motor Vehicle Mechanics (MVM), Electrical Installation & Maintenance, Electronics (RTV/GSM Repair), and Catering Craft, among others.

Present to grace the occasion with a touch of royalty and glamour were Chief Francis Okoye and Chief Kachi Atta, representing the traditional ruler of Awka, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Gibson Nwosu, Eze-Uzu II. Other distinguished attendees included Pastor Tochukwu Ubaezuonu, Mrs. Eucaria Ikegwuonu, Director of Technical Science at the Post Primary Education Board, Anambra State; Mr. Mathews Samuel Udechukwu and Mr. Gabriel Ikyeluwa, both from NBTE South-East; Mr. I.O. Ogunbode, Vice Principal of FSTC Awka; and Engr. Igboekwe Moses, Procurement Officer for the IDEAS Project, among others.