The federal government has announced that it will spend N6.2 billion to train and equip 16,820 youths in smartphone repair in order for them to become financially self-sufficient.
According to Vanguard, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development announced the development on Wednesday, April 6.
Sadiya Farouq, the minister who made the revelation while speaking at the launch of the N-Skills (Smart Phone Repairs) Programme in Bauchi, explained that the program is being used to pilot the N-Skills program, which is part of the N-Power non-graduate program.
She stated that it is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari's goal of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next ten years.
“The 6-week training is designed to equip target beneficiaries with life, vocational and entrepreneurship skills preparatory to the work-based learning during the 6 months apprenticeship.
“This will enable the target beneficiaries to meet the minimum technical and business requirements for certification by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and to enhance their entrepreneurial competencies to successfully start and manage smartphone repairs and servicing businesses.
“Upon completion of the training, the target beneficiaries would be provided with Starter Packs and deployed to Master Craft Persons for a 6-month apprenticeship,” the minister noted
She went on to say that the ministry is establishing STEM Centers in 12 Federal and State Government secondary schools in Bauchi State as part of the N-Power Junior program to improve digital literacy, functional skills acquisition, school infrastructure, and teacher retraining, and to contribute to the development of the human capital required for a knowledge-driven economy.
She expressed hope that if President Buhari approves the expansion of the NSIP, the ministry will double job and wealth creation opportunities for Bauchi State's teeming youths.
