The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commissioned a new Skills Acquisition Centre in Owerri North, Imo State, to equip young Nigerians with practical, technology-driven skills that support entrepreneurship, job creation, and industrial development.
The centre, established under the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) in partnership with Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, is expected to serve as a hub for vocational and technical training, preparing participants with industry-relevant skills to enhance self-employment and stimulate local economic growth.
Speaking at the inauguration, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma described the facility as a strategic investment in youth empowerment and economic development.
According to him, the project demonstrates the importance of investing in people by equipping them with practical skills rather than relying solely on social welfare programmes.
“The NASENI Skills Acquisition Centre represents more than the construction of another public facility. It is an investment in the future of thousands of young Nigerians who will acquire practical skills capable of transforming their lives and contributing meaningfully to national development,” he said.
Uzodimma noted that countries that have achieved sustained economic growth have done so by investing in innovation, technical education, and entrepreneurship. He added that the centre aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting youth empowerment, job creation, innovation, and economic diversification.
He also urged that graduates of the programme receive start-up support, including access to equipment, finance, and business development services, to help them establish successful enterprises after completing their training.
Speaking on behalf of NASENI, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Khalil Suleiman Halilu said the centre reflects the agency’s commitment to developing the human capital required to drive Nigeria’s industrial growth.
“The commissioning of this Centre is not merely the opening of another facility. It is the opening of opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire practical skills that solve real problems, create businesses and generate employment,” he said.
Halilu explained that the facility will offer training in high-demand fields, including solar installation and maintenance, graphic design and printing, mobile phone repairs, fisheries, aquaculture, and other vocational and technology-based disciplines aligned with current labour market needs.
He added that the project supports NASENI’s strategic focus on Creation, Collaboration and Commercialization (3Cs), aimed at strengthening innovation, expanding partnerships, and commercialising locally developed technologies.
Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who partnered with NASENI on the project, said the initiative was designed to address unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and entrepreneurship opportunities.
According to him, beneficiaries will receive both technical training and post-graduation support to establish businesses, to help them become employers of labour rather than job seekers.
NASENI said the new centre forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen technical education, support entrepreneurship, and build a skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic transformation.