Obaseki, German govt move to bridge technical skill gap with exchange programmes

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government is concluding plans to establish technical and vocational centres in the state with one year of study in Nigeria and job placement opportunities with companies in Germany.

The governor, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the partnership is part of efforts to bridge the technical skill gap of youths in the state.

He said engagements are ongoing to support regular migration and mobility for Edo indigenes that secure jobs in Germany, noting thathis recent visit to the European country strengthened ties to build local capacity and drive investment into the state.

Obaseki said, “We understand the role of technical and vocational education in the realization of our vision for a prosperous and progressive Edo and will sustain investment in the sector to drive Edo’s industrial growth, ensuring the creation of employment opportunities and attainment of self-sufficiency.

“Already, we are in conversation with the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts to establish technical and vocational centres in Edo with one year of study in Nigeria. We are also exploring opportunities
of the training in Germany with the possibilities of returning or staying in Germany.”

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He added, “In our recent visit to the European country, we explored several opportunities for skill transfer, partnership and investments. We met with leaders of the German government and those of the GIZ
Migration and Diaspora Programme to deepen investment in Edo in pursuit of the drive to make the state the most competitive subnational in Africa.

“We considered salary top-up for short term return for Edo indigenes in Germany to return to work and contribute their quota to the development of the state, as well as training and support for people in Diaspora who are investing in Edo State.”