The Managing Director of Wellservices Training Academy, Dr Martins Okoro, has said unemployment remains a significant challenge in Nigeria because millions of youths lack the necessary skills to secure gainful employment in the oil and gas sector.
Okoro, in a statement issued on Sunday, said that to address the challenges, a strategic partnership with legislators at the federal and state constituencies as well as academia to train youths for employment in the oil industry was needed through the academy.
To ensure that training translates into employment, Okoro said the academy would work closely with government agencies and corporate organisations to facilitate internships and job placements.
Okoro said, “Unemployment remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with millions of youths lacking the necessary skills to secure gainful employment.
“The academy has been positioned as a leading institution providing technical and vocational training, particularly in the oil and gas sector, industrial maintenance, and other specialised fields.
“Through strategic partnerships with state governments, federal constituencies, legislators, and academia, the academy can play a vital role in equipping Nigerians with employable skills and reducing unemployment.
“State governments can collaborate with Wellservice Training Academy to establish skill acquisition programs tailored to the needs of their local economies. By funding scholarships and subsidising training for unemployed youths, governments can ensure that more individuals receive industry-relevant education.
“Additionally, the academy can work with state ministries of labour and employment to create job placement initiatives that connect graduates with companies seeking skilled workers. Several individuals who have completed training at Wellservice Training Academy have successfully secured jobs in Nigeria and abroad, demonstrating the effectiveness of such initiatives.
“Members of the National Assembly representing federal constituencies and senatorial districts can partner with Wellservice Training Academy as part of their constituency projects. By allocating funds for youth empowerment programmes, legislators can sponsor constituents to receive technical training in drilling operations, well services, health and safety, and industrial equipment maintenance.
“These trained individuals will enhance the local workforce and attract investments from companies needing skilled professionals. Graduates of the academy have been employed in multinational companies and international oil firms, proving that such training directly impacts employability.”
He also noted that engaging the academia for curriculum development and certification has become imperative.
“A partnership with universities, polytechnics, and technical colleges will help integrate practical skills training into formal education. Wellservice Training Academy can design industry-relevant curricula that blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience by collaborating with academic institutions.
“Such partnerships will also facilitate certification programs that meet global standards, increasing graduates’ chances of securing jobs in Nigeria and overseas. Many who have passed through the academy have obtained certifications that qualify them for employment in international markets, showcasing the global relevance of the training.
“By forming strategic alliances with state governments, federal legislators, and academia, Wellservice Training Academy can significantly reduce unemployment in Nigeria. These collaborations will ensure that more young Nigerians receive the training and skills needed to secure local and international employment.
“The success of past trainees, many of whom now work in well-paying jobs within and outside Nigeria, is a testament to the academy’s impact. Expanding these partnerships will empower more individuals and drive economic growth and national development,” he added.
