In a significant move to tackle unemployment and skill gaps, the non-profit organisation Push Africa has announced an ambitious plan to train and empower two million Nigerians and other Africans with critical industry skills.
Graduation Ceremony Marks First Milestone
The vision was unveiled by the Founder of Push Africa, Doris Egberamen, during the inaugural graduation ceremony for the Push Africa Healthcare Assistant Training Programme's Class of 2024/2025. The event was held on Saturday, 7th December 2025, in Abuja.
The programme, conducted in partnership with the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja, celebrated the successful graduation of over 100 healthcare assistants. Egberamen stated that the organisation's mission is driven by a passion to create clearer pathways for graduates amidst the challenges of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
"Our mission is to innovate, initiate, and implement labour market skill training in key sectors such as healthcare, technology, media, and agriculture," she explained.
A Call for Professionalism and Continuous Growth
Addressing the new graduands, Egberamen urged them to embark on their professional journeys with discipline, empathy, and a strong sense of professionalism. She emphasised that the healthcare sector demands not only technical competence but also unwavering ethical values.
"See this not as an end, but as the beginning of a progressive career pathway," she encouraged, highlighting the vast local and international opportunities for growth. She reminded them that their newly acquired skills are globally relevant and urged a commitment to continuous improvement and the highest standards of care.
AUST's Commitment to Industry-Ready Graduates
In his remarks, the President of AUST, Professor Azikiwe Onwualu, highlighted the university's successful track record, noting a 100 per cent employment rate for its postgraduate alumni. He pointed out a critical imbalance in Nigeria's workforce, where universities produce more degree holders than the needed technicians and artisans for practical sectors.
To bridge this gap, Professor Onwualu explained that AUST has expanded its focus to include Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The institution has established an innovation hub on campus to provide students with hands-on, industry-ready skills.
"Every graduate of this university is either employed before graduation or immediately after," he stated, expressing a determination to replicate this success at undergraduate and vocational levels.
He outlined the university's transformation and growing global relevance, urging the graduands to leverage their internationally recognised training. "Pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and position yourselves as globally competitive professionals," Onwualu advised. He also encouraged them to consider further educational pathways, including transitions into full nursing programmes as the university expands its offerings.
Broad Support for Skills Development
The graduation ceremony was attended by Medical Directors from several Abuja hospitals and officials from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, underscoring the collaborative support for initiatives aimed at developing a skilled workforce.
Professor Onwualu concluded that the success of the graduands would not only advance their careers but also showcase the impact of AUST's commitment to producing skilled graduates capable of meeting Africa's pressing developmental needs.
