By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, The Federal Ministry of Works on Friday graduated 55 trainees in its Batch 32 Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Development Centre Training School in Ijora, Lagos, with a charge to uphold professionalism, innovation and selfless service to Nigeria.
Declaring the graduation ceremony open, Mr Ayodele Akusu, the Principal of the training school and Public Service Rules and Mathematics Lecturer, described the event as the successful completion of a journey of learning, discipline and practical skills development.
Akusu said: “Today marks the successful completion of a journey of learning, discipline and practical skill development.
“We celebrate the dedication and hard work of our trainees, the commitment of our instructors and the continued effort of the Federal Ministry of Works in developing a highly skilled technical workforce for our nation.”
The principal urged the graduates to make professionalism, innovation and service their guiding principles as they begin the next phase of their careers.
“As we commence this memorable occasion, let us reflect on the importance of professionalism, innovation and service to Nigeria,” he said.
Akusu congratulated the graduates and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to infrastructure development across the country.
“We congratulate all the graduating trainees and wish them success as they apply their knowledge and skills in advancing the nation’s infrastructure,” he said.
Speaking, the outgoing Students’ Union Government (SUG) Governor of Batch 32, Chief Matthew Okwori, said the centre had transformed the career prospects of technical officers through quality skills acquisition and professional development.
Okwori, in his valedictory address at the graduation ceremony in Ijora, Lagos, said the institution had become a platform for career advancement for civil servants who previously faced promotion limitations.
“The school has distinguished itself through its dual training system, focusing on skills acquisition, skills improvement and professional development.
“The training programme was established to provide the essential academic and technical qualifications required for the advancement and conversion of Senior Foremen and Chief Technical Assistants to Works Superintendent cadre.
“Many of us were stagnated for many years and had no solution to the problem until the school came on board. Our stories will soon change for the better.
“We came to this school as novices, but with the assistance of our professional lecturers and competent management, we have been transformed into better and knowledgeable persons.
“As we go out, we are going to project the good image of the school in our different places of work,” he said.
The outgoing SUG governor said the training programme had equipped participants with the competence required for higher responsibilities in the civil service.
“The training programme is designed as an essential requirement for the advancement and conversion of Senior Foremen and Chief Technical Assistants to Works Superintendent cadre.
“The Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Development Centre has provided an opportunity for technologically inclined civil servants who, in the past, could not cross certain career barriers.
“Many of us experienced career stagnation before now, but through this programme, we now look forward to greater opportunities and professional advancement,” he said.
Okwori, who commended the principal, management and instructors for their commitment to the trainees’ success, expressed sadness over the demise of a colleague, Mr Godwin Achanya, who could not finish with them.
“I sincerely appreciate my colleagues for finding me worthy to serve as Governor of Batch 32.
“Let us continue to keep the spirit of brotherhood and love alive even after today,” he said.
The ceremony featured the graduation of 55 trainees, including three drivers from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who successfully completed the technical training programme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)