By Adedeji Fakorede
Following the success of the first engineering academy in Lagos, Samsung Electronics West Africa has launched its second engineering academy in partnership with the Ekiti state government.
Commenting on the launch of the academy in Ado- Ekiti, Managing director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim said the aim is to build success partnerships in Nigeria to equip the country’s youth with the technical and employability skills they need to transform their lives, as well as find jobs or become entrepreneurs.
This is in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which include no poverty, quality education and decent work and economic growth.
“The Engineering Academy initiative seeks to address the critical technical and skills shortage in Africa, Samsung has launched its Engineering Academy in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria to provide hands on vocational skills training for youth. By opening up well paying job opportunities for its students, Samsung’s quality of service is differentiated and set in line with the government’s drive for creating decent jobs, especially for young citizens” Kim added.
The Ekiti Engineering Academy has three theory rooms and three practical rooms, each with a seating capacity of 20. The students at the Academy will be taught across three trades, including Audio Visual, Home Appliances and Information Mobile and Technology.
Ekiti state governor, Dr Ayodele Fayose represented by his deputy, Dr. Kolapo Olusola, showed much enthusiasm about the opportunities the engineering academy will offer to youth in the state while delivering his address.
He called on other relevant stakeholders to emulate this credible achievement of Samsung Electronics West Africa.
”Let me assure you that Ekiti state government and Samsung Electronics West Africa will continue to partner to bring about the vision and mission of the academy to bear, now and always by performing their respective derivable tasks which will advance the cause of the academy” he reiterated.
The Samsung Engineering Academy is core to Samsung’s vision to fast track the entry of youth into the electronics job market, including the opportunity to work as independent service technicians within its retail channel outlets and to establish their own independently run businesses.
The focus of the academy will be to train individuals in repair, maintenance and service of modern electronic equipment.
In his remarks, Mr. Jide Egunjobi, commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ekiti state, applauded Samsung’s commitment to the development of technology within the state and Nigeria at large.
“We applaud Samsung’s dedication to youth acquisition and development of skills through vocational education for them to be gainfully employed, which is in line with this government’s goals; we therefore charge all beneficiaries of this laudable initiative to judiciously utilize the working tools made available and prevent them from damages and improper usage”.