FG Commends CCECC on Human Capital Development
James Emejo in Abuja
The federal government has commended the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) on its commitment to bridging the skills gap as well aiding the country’s development.
Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, handed the commendation as the corporation also offered automatic jobs to 190 Nigerians who graduated from its skills acquisition initiative under CCECC Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The minister at the welcome ceremony for the graduates, noted that the company’s efforts were in line with the federal government’s National Local Content Policy for Railway development He said, “This policy emphasises the involvement of competent local engineers, technicians, and craftsmen in railway projects, ensuring knowledge transfer and technical participation through training and apprenticeship programmes.
“The graduates, who specialised in railway and other transportation-related fields, are now set to play pivotal roles in Nigeria’s growing transportation sector.
“The CCECC has not only sponsored their education but is also committed to securing job opportunities within the company.
“This commitment reflects CCECC’s broader goal of integrating technical know-how and fostering industrial cooperation in Nigeria.” Alkali further expressed confidence in the graduates’ ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country’s transportation industry, and challenged them to leverage their newly acquired skills and knowledge to drive economic growth and modernisation. In his remarks, Chairman, CCECC Nigeria Limited, Mr. Jason Zhang, noted that the students had participated in the cooperation programme between the CCECC, the federal government, and Chang’an University.
He said the graduates had embarked on a remarkable quest for knowledge, growth, and cultural exchange, adding that their commitment to education and the pursuit of excellence had been duly rewarded.
He said, “It is a momentous occasion that fills us with immense pride and joy as we witness the fruits of their hard work, determination, and the generous support extended to them by CCECC, the government and the university.
Noting that education remained the foundation upon which great nations are built, Zang said CCECC’s efforts to foster the intellectual development of Nigerian students had been a rewarding experience for both the company and the country.
He noted that during the implementation of the programme, the, “company spared no effort in sponsoring these young people, and now the company is working hard to secure job opportunities. “In this process, CCECC has not only empowered these young people but has also contributed to the overall development of this great nation.”
Furthermore, he said CCECC had been actively playing an important role in fulfilling its corporate social responsibility by donating at least 10 school buildings to the local communities and establishing the Federal University of Transportation in Daura, Katsina State, to assist the technical knowhow transfer and capability building in the country.
He said the education cooperation programme was initiated in 2018, adding that 120 students have been benefited from this programme.
He said another 70 students have been sponsored by the company and graduated from Central China University up till 2023, bring the total beneficiaries 190 students.
He said, “For CCECC, by sponsoring these young minds to study engineering majors, which are urgently needed in the country, the company is showing the true spirit of giving back to the society and is achieving its goal of carrying out the full industrial chain cooperation with technical knowhow transfer needed in the country.”
On the cooperation programme, Managing Director, CCECC Nigeria Limited, Mr. David Wang, explained that since 2018, CCECC had collaborated with the federal government and Chang’an University to select and sponsor young Nigerians for further education in China.
Under the programme, the students sponsored by the company underwent a one-year language study in China before officially enrolling in their 4-year undergraduate programme in Chang’an University.
Known as “1+4 programme”, the initiate has benefited 40 students who have already returned to Nigeria after graduation last year, while the remaining 72 students have also successfully completed their academic journey in China this year.
