Trainees Showcase Skills in Painting, Decoration and Finishes, Welding and Fabrication, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance
Morene Ventures Limited has successfully concluded its IDEAS-TVET closing ceremony and graduation programme, celebrating the achievements of 100 skilled artisans trained in Painting, Decoration and Finishes, Welding and Fabrication, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance.
The ceremony, which marked the completion of a six-month intensive skills development programme, also featured the presentation of participation certificates while successful trainees await the issuance of their National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Level 2 Certificates.
The event brought together government representatives, industry experts, training facilitators, assessors, community stakeholders, and families to celebrate the transformation of participants into skilled professionals ready to contribute to economic growth and national development.
A major highlight of the graduation ceremony was the exhibition and practical demonstration sessions, where trainees displayed the knowledge and skills they acquired throughout the six-month training period.
Participants showcased their expertise through completed projects and live demonstrations in Painting, Decoration and Finishes, Welding and Fabrication, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance. The exhibitions provided guests with an opportunity to witness firsthand the creativity, technical competence, and confidence developed by the trainees during the programme.
The practical sessions reinforced the importance of technical education, demonstrating that skills acquisition goes beyond classroom learning and must be applied through real-world practice.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of gifts and awards to outstanding performing trainees who distinguished themselves through exceptional practical competence, commitment, and dedication during the training programme.
The recipients of the Best Artisan Trainee Awards were:
- Best Artisan Trainee in Electrical Installation and Maintenance: Mr. Kolade Ojo Oluwafemi
- Best Artisan Trainee in Welding and Fabrication: Miss Aishatu Abubakar Atiku
- Best Artisan Trainee in Painting, Decoration and Finishes: Mr. Suleiman Shittu
The award presentation recognised excellence across the three trade areas and celebrated trainees who consistently demonstrated outstanding technical ability, discipline, and professionalism throughout the programme. The presentation of gifts was one of the memorable moments of the ceremony, drawing applause from fellow trainees, facilitators, invited guests, and family members.
In his opening remarks, Bldr. Gyok Mathew Gyang (MNIOB, QAA, RPL), Director of Morene Ventures Limited, reflected on the transformation that skills training brings to individuals and communities.
He noted that many people who started their careers were once identified simply as labourers, but programmes such as IDEAS-TVET are changing that narrative by equipping individuals with professional skills and recognised qualifications.
He encouraged the graduates to embrace their new identity as skilled professionals and make meaningful use of the knowledge they have acquired.
Delivering a goodwill message, Bldr. Imil Iliya Asuka, Deputy Director, Directorate of Physical Facilities, University of Jos, and Director of Works, College of Education, Gindiri, encouraged the graduands to remain committed to their chosen careers.
He advised them to maintain discipline, consistency, and determination, whether they choose employment, entrepreneurship, or partnerships with others.
He reminded them that skills must be developed through continuous practice and encouraged them to always strive for excellence in whatever they do.
Mr. Rwang Yohanna Dame, Principal of Government Technical College Bukuru (BUTECHS), congratulated the graduands and described the certificates as symbols of commitment, learning, and achievement.
He emphasised that the true value of certification lies in the knowledge, practical skills, and character developed throughout the training.
He encouraged the graduates to continue learning and practising their skills, noting that employers today seek individuals who combine qualifications with competence and professionalism.
“Your certificate represents what you have learned, but your ability to apply that knowledge is what will create opportunities for you,” he advised.
Representing Bldr. Lawrence Manggei (FNIOB, EQA), Managing Director of Potter7 Skill Training Center, Abuja, Engr. Rwang Moses urged the graduands to continue practising their skills and remain committed to improvement.
He described practice as the foundation of excellence and encouraged them not to allow their training to go unused.
He challenged the graduates to pursue opportunities, overcome challenges, and continue developing themselves as they begin their professional journeys.
Speaking on behalf of the team of assessors, Bldr. Azi Emmanuel congratulated the graduands and appreciated everyone who contributed to the success of the programme.
He praised the dedication of the organisers, facilitators, and assessors who worked together to develop skilled manpower through the initiative.
He encouraged the graduates to apply their skills with integrity and professionalism while contributing positively to their communities.
Bldr. Adedeji Adeleye Paul (FNIOB, EQA) reminded the graduands that graduation marks the beginning of continuous learning rather than the end of their development.
He encouraged them not to wait passively for opportunities but to invest in themselves, seek knowledge, and continue improving their abilities.
He stressed the importance of networking, mentorship, and collaboration, advising the graduates to maintain relationships developed during the training.
According to him, certificates are valuable, but competence remains the most important factor in building successful careers.
“Employers are interested in what you can do, not only what you possess on paper,” he stated.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Kyari Haruna, Assistant Director, highlighted the importance of technical and vocational education in national development.
He explained that technical education provides young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
He encouraged more Nigerians to embrace skills training, noting that skilled professionals are increasingly valuable in today’s economy.
He also encouraged young women to confidently pursue technical careers, emphasising that excellence in skilled professions is achievable regardless of gender.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Plateau State Ministry of Education, Hajiya Sadiya Ibrahim, Bldr. Ruth Ashen, Lecturer at Plateau State University, Bokkos, urged the graduands to remain humble and committed to lifelong learning.
She encouraged them to recognise areas where they need improvement and seek guidance from mentors, colleagues, and professionals.
She reminded them that professional growth comes through collaboration, discipline, and continuous development.
Speaking on behalf of the female participants, Miss Nissi Makama, a trainee in Painting and Decoration, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Morene Ventures Limited, facilitators, assessors, and all partners who made the programme possible.
She acknowledged that the journey required dedication and hard work but noted that participants emerged with confidence and practical skills ready to be applied.
She expressed hope that the training would enable participants to create opportunities, support their communities, and contribute positively to society.
Also speaking on behalf of the male participants, Mr. Felix Ribetnan reflected on the journey that began on 12th January, noting that the programme provided participants with practical skills that will empower their future. He praised the resilience of trainees who remained committed throughout the programme and appreciated the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education, the IDEAS-TVET team, Morene Ventures Limited, the Quality Assurance team, facilitators, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the initiative.
In his closing remarks, Bldr. Gyok Matthew Gyang, Director of Morene Ventures Limited, encouraged the graduates to maximise the opportunity provided through the programme.
He reminded them that the purpose of the training was not only to obtain certificates but to gain practical skills that promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.
He also clarified that while participation certificates were presented during the ceremony, the NSQ certification process follows established procedures, and successful candidates will receive their official NSQ Level 2 certificates upon completion of the required processes.
He appreciated the Federal Government for supporting technical and vocational education and contributing to the development of a skilled workforce.
As the 100 graduates leave the training centre, they do so with more than certificates they carry practical skills, confidence, and the responsibility to use their knowledge to create opportunities and contribute to the growth of their communities and the nation.
The IDEAS-TVET graduation ceremony stands as a reminder that investing in skills development is investing in the future.
