Kwara's International Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship College in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area, graduated 506 trainees at its sixth graduation ceremony on Thursday. A significant majority of the trainees, totalling 441, were sponsored by the state government under its Youth Employment and Empowerment Generation Scheme.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq stated that the event reflected the sustainable investments of his administration in youth development and its commitment to promoting vocational skills. Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa'adatu Modibbo Kawu, the Governor noted that the occasion demonstrated the priority the government places on technical and vocational education as a crucial pillar of human capital development.

He affirmed a commitment to strengthening the institution as a hub for practical and industry relevant skills while expanding access to vocational training as a complementary pathway to conventional education. He added that the vision remains clear to ensure no willing youth in Kwara State is left without the opportunity to learn a skill, earn a living, and live with dignity. AbdulRazaq mentioned that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of staff and students, including the regular payment of salaries and stipends, while also providing funds for training materials and institutional running costs.

He said IVTEC has trained about 2,000 youths drawn from the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State since inception of the Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation Scheme (YEEGS) in 2021.

"More than half of these graduating youth are also being empowered with start-up packages as fully funded by the state government," he said.

"This intervention has enabled many beneficiaries to establish businesses, become self-reliant, and contribute meaningfully to the state's economy."

While commending the management of the College for their dedication to shaping skilled and responsible citizens, the Governor urged the graduating students to see themselves as job creators, innovators, and problem solvers, and not job seekers.

Dignitaries at the event included the Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, represented by Prof Stephen Alabi; Provost, College of Education (COED) Oro, Prof. Aremu Mukaila Atanda; Provost COED Technical, Lafiagi, Dr Hussain Ahmadu; Acting Provost, Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Dr Saad Hadi; President of Artisan Congress, Kwara State, Alhaji Jimoh Adeshina; representatives from the Summit University in Offa, and Olupo in Council; among others.

For his part, Rector of the College, Engr (Dr) Yaru Salihu, appreciated the Governor's unwavering support and commitment to the growth of the institution which, according to him, was designed to reduce youth unemployment, address poverty, and expand entrepreneurship opportunities for young people across the state.

"I remain particularly grateful to the Governor for his dedication to revitalizing technical and vocational education in Kwara State and for the Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation Scheme (YEEGS), whose 7th and 8th batches are graduating today," he said.

He said the beneficiaries received full tuition scholarships and a monthly stipend of N5,000 throughout their training.