The Institute for Industrial Technology (IIT) has urged for enhanced investment in technical education as a means to tackle the growing issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria. This call was made by the institute's Director, Mr. David Okechukwu, during a press conference held in Lagos to celebrate IIT's 25 years of providing technical education.

Okechukwu emphasized that technical training should encompass more than just the operation of machinery. He highlighted the necessity of integrating ethics, competence, safety, and practical experience into the curriculum. The IIT was established with the aim of equipping young Nigerians with both technical and moral training, drawing inspiration from successful educational models in Asia and Europe. The institute has adopted the Asian approach while adhering to European standards, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

Students at IIT receive training in various technical disciplines, which prepares them to meet the evolving demands of the job market. The director noted that many students often secure employment even before completing their internships, thanks to the institute's strong industry connections. Additionally, the IIT alumni association plays a crucial role in assisting graduates with job placements and further educational opportunities.

Okechukwu pointed out that addressing youth unemployment requires a shift in mindset, stating that not everyone should aspire to work for someone else. He believes that technical skills empower young people to offer their own services and create self-employment opportunities. He also stressed the importance of combining technical education with entrepreneurial and business skills to foster self-sufficiency among graduates.

The director called on regulatory bodies, such as the National Board for Technical Education and the National Skills Qualification Framework, to support institutions that focus on quality training. While IIT is not primarily a research institution, Okechukwu mentioned that students are encouraged to utilize artificial intelligence to enhance their projects, provided they first grasp the fundamentals of their fields to discern inaccuracies in AI-generated information.

The IIT also offers need-based scholarships, including the JB Cushmore Scholarship, which covers the full training cost of approximately ₦4.5 million per student. Mr. Christopher Itua, the Head of Industrial Linkage and Marketing at IIT, acknowledged the societal preference for university and white-collar careers as a significant barrier to promoting technical education. He noted that this preference has impacted enrollment at IIT, which has struggled to fill its available admission spaces despite its long-standing presence in the sector.

Itua further highlighted the international interest in IIT's programs, particularly from Germany, where there is a demand for skilled technical workers. He emphasized that technical education requires careful planning due to the costs associated with equipment and regulatory compliance. He also noted that technical institutions do not necessarily need large land areas and can expand vertically as needed.

The scholarship program has proven instrumental in helping young individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds acquire vital technical skills, effectively lifting many out of poverty. IIT started with 45 students on full scholarships and later admitted an additional 10, aiming to enable young people from underprivileged families to gain skills within a three-year timeframe. Students engage directly with equipment, learning to dismantle and reassemble engines and generators, while also fabricating and maintaining parts.

Itua pointed out that partnerships with industry are essential for providing students with practical experience, as companies often donate equipment and send workers to the institute for training. He also noted the need for specialized training in fields like oil and gas pipeline welding, suggesting that local organizations should invest in developing these skills domestically rather than relying solely on foreign expertise. The ongoing trend of skilled workers leaving the country, known as the “japa” phenomenon, has further complicated the situation, prompting companies to rethink their strategies for developing and retaining technical personnel. Itua concluded by stating that government, regulators, private companies, and training institutions must collaborate to bridge the skills gap and align technical education with employment opportunities and economic needs.