The Chairman, Senate Committee on Steel Development, Patrick Ndubueze has commended the Ministry of Steel Development for successfully convening the first phase of what he described as ‘an epoch-making booth camp training’ for Nigerian youths, an initiative he described as a step toward job creation and development of the steel sector.
The Committee Chairman, who gave the commendation during the flag-off of the first-batch of the training, at the Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Thursday, said he was pleased to be part of the epoch-making event which he said is geared towards empowering the nations teeming youths to be self-reliant.
According to the Senate Committee Chairman, Nigerian youth will become self reliant when they acquire extensive skills training in welding and fabrication, industrial foundry/metallurgy, instrumentation/control system and mechanic maintenance.
Ndubueze, who was represented by Hon. Greg Owurmanam, commended the Ministry of Steel Development and its Agencies for their respective contribution to the Boot-Camp Training. He enjoined participants to give maximum attention and cooperate with the trainers in order to maximize acquisitions of knowledge and skills designed for the programme.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu described the initiative as a significant step in the ministry’s commitment to develop skilled workforce, adding that it will foster industrial growth and promote sustainable development within Nigeria’s metallurgical and steel sector.
Isokpunwu said that the ministry, under the leadership of Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu, has taken deliberate steps to reposition the steel and metals industry as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic transformation. According to him, the ministry recognizes that achieving the goal requires not only infrastructural investments but also the empowerment of human capital, hence the need for the intensive boot camp training.
Dr. Chris revealed the programme is designed to equip selected participants with hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and industry insights crucial for advancing the Nigerian metallurgical landscape.
He said over the next few weeks, the participants will undergo rigorous training in welding and fabrication, industrial foundry and metallurgy, and instrumentation, system control, and mechanical maintenance. He noted that the objective is to bridge skill gaps, promote innovation, and enhance the employability of the nation’s youths within the steel critical sector.
Harping on the importance of the training, he said: “This boot-camp is not just about learning; it is about discipline, resilience, and teamwork. I must emphasize that all participants are expected to adhere strictly to the laid-down rules and guidelines. The Ministry has made provisions for accommodation, feeding, and starter packs for all trainees. However, any form of misconduct, including indiscipline, violation of safety regulations, or engagement in prohibited activities such as drug use or possession of weapons will result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of benefits.”
The Permanent Secretary commended participants for prompt disposition to the activities, stating that it will enable them to settle in and prepare for the rigorous and impactful training ahead.
He admonished participants to utilize the opportunity to position themselves as future leaders in the steel and metallurgical sector. “I urge you to embrace this training with enthusiasm, remain focused, and take full advantage of the knowledge and experience that will be shared with you.”
Earlier, Director Metallurgical Inspectorate, Engr. Frederick E. Ewa, gave the overview of the Metal Sector Boot-Camp Training Programme, saying that the initiative, championed by the Ministry of Steel Development, is a strategic effort to empower young Nigerians with hands-on technical skills, foster industrial growth, and bridge the manpower gap in the nation’s steel sector.
Engr. Ewa stated that the Bootcamp Training Programme is an intensive, hands-on technical training aimed at equipping participants with critical skills in three specialized areas namely, welding and fabrication; industrial foundry and metallurgy, instrumentation, system control, and mechanical maintenance.
He said participants will be exposed to real-world practical sessions, industry best practices, and safety protocols, all of which, according to him, are essential to ensuring high-quality output in the metallurgical sector.
Ewa encouraged trainees to be fully engaged in every session and abide by all rules and regulations, as misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated.
In his welcome address, the Director/Ag. Chief Executive, Metallurgical Training Institute (MTI), Onitsha, Engr. Dr. F. U. Obi, said the training represents a bold and strategic effort by the Ministry to equip young Nigerians with high demand technical skills that are essential for the nation’s industrial growth, adding that the Boot-Camp is not just for training but intended to build the next generation of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs who will drive the nation’s steel and manufacturing industries forward.
According to Engr. Obi, the choice of Metallurgical Training Institute Onitsha, as venue for the Boot-Camp was deliberate. For decades, he noted, the MTI has been the forefront of technical and vocational education in Nigeria, producing skilled professionals who have made remarkable contributions to the steel industry.
