The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has officially launched a major grant programme worth N113 million aimed at transforming technical and vocational education in the region.
Investment in Infrastructure and Futures
This substantial financial injection is designated as a TVET Facilities Upgrade Grant. Its primary objective is to modernise and expand 14 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres located across several Niger Delta states. The initiative focuses on key sectors including ICT, Building Construction, Agriculture, and Services.
Beneficiary centres are strategically situated in economic hubs such as Aba in Abia State, Warri and Asaba in Delta State, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State. These centres collectively form a crucial network supporting thousands of young Nigerians in their transition into the workforce or entrepreneurship.
Beyond Equipment to Economic Transformation
Speaking at the launch event in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the Executive Director of PIND, Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo, framed the grant as an investment in long-term economic change. He emphasised that the programme's impact extends far beyond the provision of new tools and machinery.
"We are not just upgrading equipment; we are upgrading futures," Daibo stated. "This investment ensures that TVET centres can train more young people with skills demanded by today's industries. When we strengthen institutions that train youth, we strengthen livelihoods, businesses, and the future of the Niger Delta."
The launch was attended by key stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Education in Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Ubong Ubong Umoh, and representatives from beneficiary institutions.
Operator Optimism and Direct Impact
Operators of the selected TVET centres have welcomed the grant with high expectations. A representative from a Port Harcourt-based training hub highlighted the practical benefits, noting the grant will enable workshop modernisation and an increase in annual trainee capacity.
"For many young people, skills training is access to dignity, income, and independence. PIND's support brings us closer to that reality," the representative said.
The upgrade programme is scheduled to run from September 2025 to February 2026. It is projected to directly benefit over 10,000 unemployed youths by equipping them with market-relevant skills and creating stronger linkages to jobs and enterprise opportunities.
Building a Sustainable Skills Ecosystem
Alongside the grant launch, PIND facilitated a strategy workshop involving government agencies, private sector partners, and other development actors. The goal was to collaboratively explore pathways for building a more commercially viable and resilient TVET sector in the Niger Delta.
By empowering these centres to operate at higher standards and accommodate more learners, PIND is strategically positioning skills development as a core catalyst for reducing youth unemployment, fostering innovation, and driving inclusive economic growth across the region.
