The Federal Government has trained 535 Nigerian youths in critical technical fields including welding, fabrication, metallurgy, and mechanical instrumentation as part of its long-term strategy to rejuvenate the steel sector and propel Nigeria toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
According to The PUNCH, the training, which took place at the Metallurgical Training Institute in Onitsha, Anambra State, concluded on Friday, May 23, 2025. It aimed to equip participants with practical skills to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial growth.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, described the boot camp as a strategic step towards reviving Nigeria’s dormant steel industry and building a skilled workforce.
“This boot camp went beyond skills acquisition. It was about building character, instilling discipline, and fostering a mindset focused on innovation and national development,” Audu said.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic vision and the broader ambition of constructing a self-reliant and industrialized Nigeria. “By investing in the capacity of our youths, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth and development,” he added.
The minister also appreciated the efforts of the facilitators and instructors at MTI, noting their role in ensuring a successful training experience. He encouraged the newly trained participants to be “ambassadors of the new industrial era,” adding that their starter packs symbolize the beginning of a productive journey.
Representing the Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, the Commissioner for Industry, Christine Udechukwu, praised the initiative, calling it timely and effective in addressing youth unemployment and poverty.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, who was represented by Chief Etiebat Nwachukwu, called for legislative support to institutionalize the boot camp as an annual programme.
“This training reflects the government’s commitment to building a future driven by skilled manpower,” he noted.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, said the training was designed not just to impart technical skills but to transform the mindset of Nigerian youths. He cited the inspiring story of a young welder from Northern Nigeria whose small enterprise now employs over 150 workers and exports products to other West African nations.
Engr. Frederick Ewa, Director of the Metallurgical Inspectorate Department, revealed that over 258,000 youths applied for the programme, with only 700 selected through a rigorous, merit-based process. He described MTI as a “citadel of excellence” in metallurgical training.
General Course Representative, Esemuede Omoruyi, speaking on behalf of the graduates, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the life-changing opportunity. “We are ready to contribute our quota to building a stronger and more industrious Nigeria,” he said.