By Zailani Mustapha In a significant move to boost skills acquisition and educational opportunities, the Nigerian Institute of Leather and S...
By Zailani Mustapha
In a significant move to boost skills acquisition and educational opportunities, the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) has announced a partnership with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This collaboration was unveiled during a visit by a NELFUND delegation, led by Mr. Aliyu Aliyu Muhammad, National Director of Monitoring & Evaluation, to the NILEST headquarters in Zaria.
During the visit, Mr. Muhammad highlighted the critical importance of cooperation between the two organizations to enhance laboratory skills training. He stated, "We're here to partner with NILEST to explore ideas and collaborate on the types of skills acquisition programs offered here as part of our pilot skills-oriented programs by NELFUND."
In an exciting development, Mr. Muhammad also revealed that NELFUND would be opening its portal in the first quarter of 2025 for prospective applicants to apply for skills acquisition loans.
"This initiative aims to provide opportunities for applicants to train within their home states. For example, individuals in Zaria can access training at approved centers within Zaria instead of traveling to Kano. This is the essence of our coming here—to familiarize ourselves and see the kind of facilities you have at the skills centers and the type of training you conduct," he explained.
Welcoming the delegation, the Director General of NILEST, Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration. "Your initiatives are quite important to us and to all Nigerian students. In my first meeting, I asked why NELFUND is not in NILEST, why NELFUND is not giving our students the loans, and why NILEST students' data is not in NELFUND. It seems my questions have been answered since you're here, and I believe everything would be done," Dr. Imam stated.
He further emphasized the unique role NILEST plays in skills acquisition. "The second crucial thing you have mentioned is the skills acquisition loans, apart from student loans. This part is solely created for us because we're the only leather institute in Sub-Saharan Africa that has a viable and functional skills acquisition program that every Nigerian student needs to go through. NILEST is the only institute that awards two things at the same time: 'Skills & Certificate,'" he added.
As part of the visit, the Directors of Polymer and Leather Science Technology at NILEST showcased designer shoes made at the institution.
The delegation was also guided through various NILEST facilities, including the polymer laboratory, leather workshop, showroom, and other key centers of innovation and training.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in empowering Nigerian students and professionals with the necessary skills to succeed in their respective fields.
No comments