28 0ctober 2014, Abuja – The Federal Government through the National Directorate of Employment has begun training of 740 persons in Solar Power Installation and Maintenance.
Under the Solar Energy Training Scheme, the Special Public Works Department is training 20 unemployed graduates of engineering and allied professions in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Ekiti State Coordinator, Mrs. Adeola Shafaru, who represented the NDE Director General, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, disclosed this at the flag-off and orientation programme in Ado-Ekiti.
In an interview with our correspondent, Shafaru explained that the scheme was to impart technical knowledge required to boost electricity supply in Nigeria.
“Apart from the creation of 740 direct jobs for the participants, numerous indirect and secondary jobs will also be created by a multiplier effect through procurement, installation and maintenance of solar power generation facilities.
“The era of white collar jobs is over, we need to change our orientation and mindset, use what we have to get what we need. Be a solution to the problems of others,” she added.
Shafaru said the 20 beneficiaries in the state were selected across the three senatorial districts in the state through competitive application on first come first serve basis.
The recruited graduates would undergo one week training in fundamentals of power supply, three months of apprenticeship and one week of induction and entrepreneurship.
“On completion of training, they may opt for wage employment or become self reliant,” Shafaru added.