Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reiterated his administration's dedication to fostering technical and vocational education to equip youth with skills that enable them to create and seek employment opportunities.

Speaking at the 5th graduation ceremony of the International Vocational, Entrepreneurship, and Technical College (IVTEC) in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area, the Governor highlighted the significance of technical training in driving economic development and reducing unemployment.

Out of the 410 graduates who received certificates in various technical and entrepreneurial disciplines, 310 benefitted from state government sponsorship under the Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation Scheme (YEEGS).

The graduates underwent training in fields such as Electrical and Electronics Technology, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Welding and Fabrication Technology, Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Heating Ventilation and Air-conditioning Technology.

“Our administration will continue to invest in technical education, youth empowerment and innovation. Our policies and programmes are meant to create a conducive environment for you to thrive, ranging from having access to credit facilities for startups to partnerships with industry leaders for internships and mentorship,” the Governor said through the Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr Mary Arinde who represented him.

“IVTEC is not just a College. It is a beacon of hope and a testament to the commitment of this administration to prioritize technical and vocational education. The vision behind its establishment was clear to produce skilled professionals who are not only job seekers but job creators”.

This institution has become a model of excellence which continues to contribute to the development of the workforce and economic transformation of the state, the Governor said.

He congratulated the management of the College on the successful host and commended the graduates for their hard work, resilience and determination to excel.

“With the knowledge and skills you acquired you are now part of the global community of investors and problem-solvers,” he added.

Rector of IVTEC, Dr Salihu Yaru, for his part, said the government provided a full tuition fee scholarship and a monthly stipend of N5,000.00 for all beneficiaries for the duration of the programme.

He said over 1,000 youth, drawn from the 16 local governments, have so far been trained through the YEEGS's interventions, commending Governor AbdulRazaq's commitment to youth empowerment in the state.

“I wish to salute His Excellency for the provision of Empowerment packages to the beneficiaries to enable them to start their businesses in their respective fields,” he said.

He charged the graduands to put what they have acquired to good use, saying the six-month training and mandatory internship have prepared them to function well on their own.