UK to launch skills for prosperity Nigeria programme, says Dep. High Commissioner
The UK government says it would be launching Skills for Prosperity Nigeria (S4P-N), a two-year UK Aid-funded programme this September, to equip youths and vulnerable groups.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Ben Llewellyn-Jones, said in a statement, on Tuesday, that the programme aimed to equip youths and vulnerable groups with skills that would offer more attractive pathways into employment.
He said that the Skills for Prosperity Programme is a global skills programme funded by the UK and implemented across nine fast growing economies, including Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa and Nigeria.
Llewellyn said in Nigeria, S4P-N would support an improved, National Apprenticeship and Training System (NATS), that would help the private sector to meet workforce demands.
The commission, he said, would also help youths get decent jobs and ensure benefits were shared equitably.
He disclosed that the official launch of the S4P-N programme would be held in Abuja, Kaduna and Lagos this September.
Llewellyn-Jones added that it would bring key government stakeholders at national and state levels, UK high commission officials and skills development actors together, to formalise partnerships.
“The UK has a global reputation for education and skills characterised by excellence and quality.
“We will support Nigeria to strengthen her skills development systems to produce a more competent technical workforce that increases productivity and economic development.
“In Nigeria, the programme will be delivered through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), a government agency under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
“The goal will be to institutionalise formal apprenticeships linked to industry, facilitate traineeship opportunities for youths leading to paid employment.
“It is also targeted at improving vocational enterprises for vulnerable women and Persons Living with Disabilities,” Llewellyn-Jones said.
In addition, he noted that S4P-N would also work collaboratively with other relevant federal government agencies.
