“AUST, JOKPE Foundation Seek Vocational Training Partnership With Federal Ministry of Education”

Abuja, September 11, 2025 — The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, has reaffirmed its commitment to vocational and professional development during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Education, Department of Technology and Science Education (Vocational Education and Training Division). The visit brought together key stakeholders including officials of the Ministry, JOKPE Foundation, and the Federal Science and Technical College, Orozo, FCT.

Leading the delegation from AUST, Dr. Vitalis Anye, Acting Dean of the School of Engineering and Coordinator of AustInspire, delivered a compelling presentation. He highlighted AUST’s transformation from a postgraduate-only institution to a pan-African university offering undergraduate programs, emphasizing its mission to blend academic excellence with practical innovation. Dr. Anye introduced AustInspire, the entrepreneurship and innovation hub of AUST, underscoring its role in promoting enterprise, vocational development, and skills acquisition.

Also speaking, Dr. Prisca Nneka Onuoha, Coordinator of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program at AUST, presented the University’s achievements in professional training and its vision to close skill gaps through short-term and vocational courses. She emphasized AUST’s readiness to collaborate with partners to drive impactful initiatives that empower Nigerian youths.

Representing the Ministry, the Deputy Director of Vocational Education and Training,Mr Osinaike E.Kole,  speaking on behalf of the Director, welcomed the delegation and read the Ministry’s prepared statement. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for programs that strengthen technical and vocational education, noting that such initiatives align with national priorities for youth empowerment.

The Founder of JOKPE Foundation, Engr. Nwosa Lucky, shared his vision for equipping young Nigerians with artisan skills including welding, plumbing, and aluminium fabrication. He highlighted the link between youth unemployment and rising crime, stressing that vocational training provides a pathway to national development. Engr. Nwosa proposed the use of the Federal Science and Technical College, Orozo, as the training venue, describing its facilities as well-suited for artisan courses.

During discussions, the Principal of Federal Science and Technical College, Orozo, Mr Omale , emphasized the need for trainers to undergo a train-the-trainer program before engaging students. He also recommended that training sessions be held during school vacation periods to avoid academic disruptions. These conditions, he noted, should be formally incorporated into the proposal.

The Ministry advised AUST and JOKPE Foundation to revise their proposal in line with these recommendations and resubmit it to the Principal for review before final approval and implementation.

The meeting was attended by officials of the Federal Ministry of Education’s Vocational Education and Training Division, including the Deputy Director, Mr Osinaike E.Kole, Mr. Mohammed (Legal Officer), Mr. Ayokunle, Mrs. Yakubu Fatima, and other staff members; representatives of AUST led by Dr. Vitalis Anye, alongside Dr. Prisca Nneka Onuoha and Mr. Okwunwanne Emmanuel Ifeanyi; the Founder of JOKPE Foundation, Engr. Nwosa Lucky, with Mrs. Rosemary; as well as Mr Omale O.A. Principal of the Federal Science and Technical College, Orozo.

JOKPE Foundation and AUST will revise their proposal, integrate the Ministry’s recommendations, and resubmit it for final review. Once approved, the artisan professional training courses will officially launch at Orozo.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the Deputy Director of Vocational Education and Training, after which participants joined for a group photograph.