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Reviving Vocational Training Centres In Nigeria

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By most accounts, vocational education is fundamental to the attainment of solid economic development of any country.
Technical education experts define vocational education as any form of education which primary purpose is to prepare persons for employment in recognised occupations.
They also argue that the dearth of trained vocational and middle-level technical manpower represents a very serious gap in the development of third-world countries, including Nigeria.
This argument, perhaps, underscores President Muhammadu Buhari’s inquest to why foreign construction companies operating in Nigeria still source for artisans and other skilled workers from abroad.
The president sought the explanations during a recent meeting with the Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
The company told Buhari that most of the foreign construction companies operating in the country sourced their artisan manpower requirements from abroad because of a shortage of competent construction workers and artisans in Nigeria.
Acknowledging that the practice was detrimental to his administration’s commitment to boost employment opportunities for young Nigerians, Buhari insisted that his administration would address the shortage of skilled construction workers in the country.
In the light of this, Buhari directed the Federal Ministries of Works and Lands, Housing and Urban Development to urgently prepare and present for approval and implementation, a plan of action for the speedy revitalisation and expansion of the nation’s vocational training centres.
Shedding more light on the president’s concern, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the president demanded a report on the current status of existing vocational training centres established by the Federal Government nationwide.
In a statement, he said Buhari had promised that his administration would take all necessary action to rapidly reposition vocational training centres as efficient producers of skilled workers for Nigeria’s building and construction industry.
Buhari said that his administration would act swiftly to ensure that the Building Craft Training School and Skill Improvement Centre in Lagos were fully revamped, staffed and equipped to produce more skilled electricians, brick and block layers, carpenters, painters, welders, fabricators, plumbers and other artisans.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the proper education and training of Nigerian youth for the current demands of the labour market, he said that the Federal Government would remove all impediments to the fulfilment of its promise of more jobs for unemployed Nigerians.
He also assured the directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. led by Mr Mutiu Sunmonu that in spite of present funding challenges, the Federal Government would continue settle genuine outstanding payments due to contractors.
To boost skills development,  the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and Youth Employment, Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede, recently announced plans by the Federal Government to train 370,000 artisans.
At the inauguration of the Construction Skills Training and Empowerment Programme (C-STEmp), Imoukhuede said the plan would generate employments.
C-STEmp, an initiative of J. Hausen Ltd. and a construction management consultancy firm, is an accelerated skills development project to prepare eligible beneficiaries for employment as artisans in construction industry.
Represented by Mr Ife Adebayo, Special Assistant on Production and Innovative, Imoukhuede said the Federal Government also planned to employ 500, 000 graduates as teachers to improve the educational system.
“The Federal Government plans to train 370,000 artisans this year and to employ 500,000 graduates as teachers, because one of our key problems is on education,’’ he said.
He, however, called for collaboration with the relevant government agencies and public-private participation to train more Nigerians in skill development.
Commenting on the initiative, C-STEmp Chairman of Trustee, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime, noted that the project would break the paradox of high unemployment and poverty.
“This will be done through a fast track intensive skills acquisition programme, using a combination of classroom, indoor and outdoor practical and a programmed apprenticeship period.
“It will equip beneficiaries with sufficient skills, certification and reference to enable them to gain employment in the housing and construction industry,’’ he added.
He said that the struggle for economic inclusiveness by the grassroots over the years in Nigeria was worsened by lack of education and competence in chosen profession.
Supported by UK Aid, under the construction idea fund of the Growth and Employment in States (GEMs) project, Chime said that the programme would enable the under-employed persons to fend for themselves and rise above their limited circumstances.
Chime, who is also the President, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, noted that curriculum, manuals and other vocational teaching resources would be used for the training.
He listed the courses to include concreting block laying and plastering, Cross Section of the Trainees at the Graduations of Trainees of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) Human Capital Development Center of the NEPC in Lagos on Thursdaygeneral construction, carpentry, steel fabrication, plumbing installation and maintenance and electrical installation and maintenance.
Others are tiling and decorative stone work, painting and decoration and site orientation and practice for building and engineering graduates.
Irrespective of this, Prof. Aondover Tarhule, a university lecturer, stressed the need for the Federal Government to initiate steps that would elevate the standards of technical and vocational education in the country.
At a recent workshop in Kaduna on Technical and Vocational Education Training, he said that the government should establish many functional technical and vocational institutions across the country to boost access to skill acquisition.
“I think we have a situation in this country where we focus too much on the classic liberal education; everybody goes to the university and then they have no job on graduation.
“We need a skilled technical labour force; as such, we ought to put up in every state, almost as many technical colleges and institutions as the universities we have.
“You go to restaurants and hotels, and you don’t get good services because people don’t learn it.
“This is because we don’t have enough vocational institutions where people get certification and proper training,’’ he said.
Tarhule said that if there were as many technical and vocational institutions as there were universities in the country, not everybody would like to go to the university.
“There is the need, therefore, to elevate the standard of technical and vocational education so that the people can tap from the gains that accrue from it.
“This way, we will be reducing congestion in the universities and strengthen the service aspect of our industry; thereby, elevating the quality of service and the quality of life for everybody.
“I hope that at some point, we will begin this very important task, because there is a lot that should be done and can be done on multiple fronts to strengthen technical and vocational education in the country,’’ he said.
Identifying vocational education as key to job creation and poverty alleviation, Mr Stanley Okegbenro, a teacher at a private vocational centre in Oyo State, listed inadequate equipment and poor funding as some of the challenges of the private initiative to make the youth self-reliant.
To support the Federal Government’s initiative, the Kano State Government says it has
also upgraded two of its four vocational centres to the status of technical colleges to boost vocational and technical education in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the state’s Science and Technical Schools Board, Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi, noted that the upgraded vocational centres were located at Kwakwaci and Gani towns in Fagge and Sumaila local government areas of the state, respectively.
“Currently, we have no fewer than 150 youths undergoing training in each of the two centres’’, he said.
He, however, appealed to the local government areas and wealthy individuals in the state to make the best use of the opportunity provided by the centres.
Nonetheless, stakeholders have stressed the need for government at all levels to accord special priority to vocational education in the country.
They note that providing necessary vocational training will keep the youth busy, reduce youth restiveness and generate more employments.
Adamu writes for News Agency of Nigeria

 

Sani Adamu

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On Top Of It All: 5 Practical Tips For Optimizing Your Rivian R1S Roof Rack.

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The Rivian R1S has quickly become one of the most versatile and capable electric SUVs on the market. It has gained this status because it combines powerful performance, third-row seating, and ample storage both inside and out.

One crucial element that maximizes the R1S’ utility is its roof rack system, which allows owners to securely transport various outdoor gear, whether for rugged off-road adventures or everyday errands.

However, some optimization is recommended to get the most from the roof rack.

Tip 1: Organize with separators and totes

While throwing loose items directly onto the rack works for some essential transport, a more organized approach makes contents more accessible to access and manage. Dividers allow the partitioning of the Rivian r1s roof rack surface into sections, keeping groups of things separated.

Mesh cargo organizers fitted across the bars create pockets that hold gear upright. Storage totes specially designed for roofs further contain belongings and some feature handles for easy loading and unloading.

Together, these accessories introduce a structure that makes the most available space. Padded totes protect fragile items, while transparent ones allow quick visual checks of contents. Placing bulky or lightweight things into designated areas maintains an optimized load balance.

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Tip 2: Consider a gear track system for racks

 

Roof rack gear track systems offer fully modular loading configurations, taking organization one step further. They consist of adjustable aluminum beams that mount perpendicular to the crossbars, forming a rail framework.

Besides, frequently used gear finds a dedicated slot, ready when wanted. Less often transported items remain safely stowed until the next outing requires them. This ultra-organized approach maximizes space utilization. It functions similarly to drawers in a tool chest.

With tracks installed, packing and unpacking the rack becomes intuitive. Everything finds its place, and owners know exactly where each item is located—saving valuable time when loading up.

Tip 3: Mind weight limits and balance loads appropriately

 

While the R1S roof can bear a significant payload, it is still essential owners respect the maximum capacity and distribute weight evenly. They exceed and risk reducing the mount points or affecting vehicle handling characteristics at highway speeds. The standard rack specs for a single-motor R1S allow up to 300 pounds total and 165 pounds per crossbar. 

However, dual-motor and max-pack models see increases to 330 pounds overall and 187.5 pounds per bar. Either way, these thresholds should always be maintained, as overloading could cause mounting hardware or bars to fail.

As for load balance, it is wise to position bulkier or heavier gear toward the front half of the roof and over the cabin, balanced by lighter accessories in the back. Center loads over each crossbar section.

Distributing weight evenly maintains optimum stability with minimal impact on fuel efficiency or ride dynamics. Taking the five minutes to arrange packages thoughtfully ensures security and safety over long drives.

Tip 4: Consider an extension kit for extra-long items

 

While the rack provides approximately a six-foot capacity along the roof, longer shapes like canoes, kayaks, or lumber occasionally require extra coverage. Rivian designed roof rack extension kit options for these situations.

Besides, they consist of additional bars that bolt to the outer ends of the stock crossbars, effectively doubling rack length to around 12 feet total. Extension bars feature all the same strength and attachment points as the original crossbars for a fully integrated expansion.

Also, those hauling longer cargo can now do so securely elevated off the truck bed. Extension kits maximize versatility for transporting uncommon geometries. Whether moving a sheet of plywood or a fiberglass boat, owners can safely secure unusually long loads to the R1S roof—further expanding its practical utility beyond most other vehicles.

Tip 5: Use Ratcheting Straps for Secure Loads

 

Yes, any items placed on the roof rack must be fastened down securely so they do not shift or come loose during driving. While the rack features heavy-duty mounts and crossbars to hold weight, wind resistance at highway speeds can still put stress on loose objects.

Therefore, the most effective method is to wrap ratcheting straps around the entire load, corner to corner, and ratchet them until very tight.

Furthermore, additional straps should angle diagonally over the top as a crossover reinforcement. Ratcheting straps are convenient because their mechanical lever allows extremely tight tensions to be achieved with less effort than conventional straps. This compression holds loads snuggly in place, absorbing vibration.

As an additional precaution, delicate or expensive gear should be wrapped in protective materials like foam or padded covers when using a roof rack. Taking these steps ensures loads remain stationary even over rough roads.

Conclusion

 

Applying these five simple tips—from load-securing techniques to organizational accessories and proper weight distribution—unlocks the full potential of the R1S roof rack. Owners gain a mobile, weatherproof storage system optimized for adventure, hobby, or job site needs. Following best practices maintains the rack mounting points’ structural integrity and rated load capacity over thousands of miles.

Most importantly, well-managed loads arrive safely at their destination after long highway hauls or rugged trails. The roof becomes a maximum utility zone that expands cargo practicality.

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Electricity: Bands BCDE Suffer No Power

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As DisCos struggle to meet the required 20 hours power supply to “Band A” customers following shortage of gas which has hindered power generation since January, customers on Bands B, C, D, and E are left with no light, according to The Tide’s source.
The source learnt that the distribution companies were concentrating more on the Band A customers to keep their Band A feeders from being downgraded.
Band A customers enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily.
On April 3, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission announced that subsidies would no longer be paid for the electricity consumed by Band A customers.
The electricity tariff for Band A customers was revised upward from N68 per kilowatt-hour to N255/KWh.
1 kWh is the amount of energy that could be used if a 1,000-watt appliance is kept running for an hour. For example, a 100-watt light bulb operating for 10 hours would use 1 kWh.
After the power subsidy was removed, the NERC directed the 11 DisCos to release their lists of Band A customers, who must get at least a 20-hour supply daily.
The regulator and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, emphasised that there would be sanctions should the distribution companies fail to supply Band A customers with 20 hours of electricity.
The DisCos were also mandated to inform customers whenever they failed to meet the required minimum service level.
NERC said where a DisCo failed to deliver on the committed level of service on a Band A feeder for two consecutive days, the DisCo should, by 10 am the next day, publish on its website an explanation of the reasons for the failure and update the affected customers on the timeline for restoration of service to the committed level.
It stated that if a customer’s service level improves to at least 20 hours, they should be upgraded from lower service bands to Band A, adding that if the DisCo fails to meet the committed service level to a Band A feeder for seven consecutive days, the feeder will be downgraded to the recorded level of supply by the applicable framework.
In their efforts to meet up with the service level, the source gathered that some of the DisCos were gradually resorting to diverting the little allocation they get to the Band A customers.
This is in spite of the fact that the gas constraints that have hindered power generation since the beginning of the year have yet to be addressed.
Many communities said they could not boast 30 hours of power supply since January, a development the government blamed on the refusal of gas companies to supply gas to power-generating companies due to heavy debt.
Recall that recently, the IBEDC spokesperson, Busolami Tunwase, explained that, “One of the primary factors is the low supply of gas to generating companies, which has led to a gradual decrease in available generation on the grid.

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‘Inappropriate Insider Dealing’ Earns Julius Berger NGX Sanction

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Authorities at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) have sanctioned Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) Plc for engaging in inappropriate insider dealing in shares.
According to a document obtained by The Tide’s source, JBN, Nigeria’s leading construction company, was sanctioned for “insider dealing during closed period”.
Incorporated in 1970, Julius Berger, Nigeria, which was incorporated in 1970, became a publicly quoted company in 1991 and has more than 10,000 shareholders.
NGX Regulatory Company (NGX RegCo), the self regulatory organisation (SRO) that regulates activities at the NGX, stated that JBN breached certain provisions of the listing rules and was thus sanctioned accordingly.
According to NGX RegCo, JBN violated provisions on “closed period”, in breach of the construction company’s commitment to adhere to listing rules and standards.
The NGX had tightened its rules and regulations to checkmate boardroom intrigues and block information arbitrage that tend to confer advantages on companies’ directors.
The amendments expanded the scope and authority of corporate financial reporting while eliminating gaps that allowed companies to sidetrack relevant rules in stage-managing corporate compliance.
The enhanced framework provided clarity and greater disclosures on directors’ trading in shares, corporate liability for accuracy and compliance of financial statement, dissuade bogus dividend payment and other sundry boardroom’s maneuverings that tend to favour insiders.
The amendments came on the heels of noticeable increase in violations of rules on ‘closed period’, a period when directors are banned from trading in the shares of their companies.
Rule 17.17 of the NGX disallows insiders and their connected persons from trading in the shares or bonds of their companies during the ‘closed period’ or any period during which trading is restricted.
This period is mostly at a period of sensitive material information, like prior knowledge of financials, dividends or major corporate changes, which places directors and other insiders at advantage above other general and retail investors.
A review of the disclosure violations at the stock market had shown that all violations in 2021 were related to violation of Rule 17.17 on ‘closed period’.
Under the amendments, in addition to the provisions of relevant accounting standards, laws, rules and requirements regarding preparation of financial statements, companies are now required to include several specific declarations on securities transactions by directors, changes in shareholding structure, self-assessment on compliance with corporate governance standards and internal code for directors on securities transactions among others.

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