Tinubu’s SSA Launches Vocational, Entrepreneurship Education Programme

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Technical Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Abiola Arogundade, has partnered with Yikodeen, a pioneering force in the realm of leather goods, to announce the birth of a transformative shoemaking and leather crafting training programme.

The initiative was designed to empower 100 young Nigerians through technical and vocational education, targeting individuals keen on mastering the art of shoemaking and leather craftsmanship.

The core objective of the programme is to equip aspiring artisans with a robust skill set encompassing various facets of leatherworks. The curriculum covers a spectrum of vital skills, including the fundamentals of footwear design, prototyping, pattern grading, upper preparation, footwear production, and materials knowledge.

Structured as a month-long intensive training, sessions will run from Mondays to Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm.  The program emphasises a balanced approach, combining lectures, and practical exercises, weekly and bi-weekly assessments.

Each class would accommodate 33 participants, ensuring personalised attention and guidance from a team of 10 seasoned trainers, all possessing a minimum of a decade’s worth of expertise in leatherwork.

The training venue at the Yikodeen factory in Isolo boasts cutting-edge facilities, including specialised footwear machines, shoe lasts, and spacious workspaces.

To enrich the learning experience, the program will feature guest speakers and external experts, enhancing the depth and breadth of knowledge imparted.

Registration for the programme will be facilitated through the Community Development Association (CDA) and the Nigerian Army Ordnance. Importantly, there are no participation fees.

Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Participation, underscoring their dedication and proficiency in leather craftsmanship.

Yikodeen will be partnering Lodoni Company Ltd, the Nigerian Army, and Stitches and Prints Ltd while relying on their invaluable support as sponsors and partners in this endeavour. The SSA has also pledged to fully employ 50 out of the participants in a full-time capacity.

This is her way of combating industry integration for available skilled hands. These collaborations and promises highlight a joint commitment to fostering skill development and empowering the youth.

The program’s success will be gauged through a multifaceted approach, encompassing participant feedback, completion rates, post-training progress tracking, and employment/entrepreneurial outcomes.

Moreover, a 12-month mentorship post-training ensures continued support, contributing to the long-term goal of enhancing local talent and addressing employment challenges.

The SSA TVEE will be giving 50 participants out of the 100 full employments as an initiative of the office of the SSA TVEE where one of her methodologies is backward integration training for available industry jobs.