Milan: The Lombardy Regional Government in Italy has announced plans to establish a Vocational Training Institute in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, disclosed this development in a statement made in Milan.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the commitment to set up the institute was made by Lombardy President, Mr. Attilio Fontana, during a meeting with FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom, in Milan. The institute aims to enhance vocational education in the FCT and facilitate youth training programs in Lombardy. Additionally, Fontana expressed interest in collaborating with the FCT Administration on agricultural development, focusing on modern farming technology.
Fontana highlighted Lombardy’s strengths in industry, battery manufacturing, and agriculture, expressing willingness to share expertise in education, software, innovation, and technology. He noted that Lombardy accounts for over 30 percent of technical education in Italy, proposing the establishment of vocational training facilities in Nigeria and opportunities for Nigerian students to study in Lombardy.
The Lombardy president assured that the training institute would commence operations following the preparation and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This initiative aligns with Wike’s request for collaboration to bolster vocational training and agricultural development in the FCT.
Wike emphasized the potential for agricultural production in Abuja, highlighting the availability of over 800,000 hectares of land, with significant portions designated for agriculture and forest reserves. He underscored the importance of vocational training, particularly in ICT, as a means to promote self-employment and reduce crime by engaging youths productively.
The meeting was attended by FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Lawan Geidam, reflecting the collaborative effort to foster development in these sectors.