Olufemi Olayiwola, the Principal of Government Technical College, Epe, Lagos, has urged parents and guidance to encourage their children to attend technical schools to support entrepreneurship in the country.

Olayiwola, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, said that most of their graduates do not look for jobs because they were trained to be self-employed to make a living.

“The vocational programme is so lucrative to the extent that some students sponsor themselves while some of them are already working, doing their own businesses while in school.

“Some industries come to the school to recruit our fresh graduates because of their high level of experience,’’

Olayiwola said that the school had yet to meet international standard, but with the provision of modern tools, it would compete favourably with international technical institutions.

He commended the Lagos State Government for providing the school with modern facilities and equipment to enhance professionalism and proficiency of the student.

NAN reports that the college was formerly named, Industrial Manpower Development Centre, owned by the Lagos State Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) before the Lagos State Government took it over.

Olayiwola said that the provision of modern tools and equipment would accelerate and facilitate teaching as well as learning in the school.

“This will enable students to meet up with global standards as well as follow modern trends.

“Government is really putting in its best to make sure the school operates with the best standards and practices.

“There is conducive working environment with well-furnished classrooms.

“Before, most of the tools being used are outdated, they are no more in vogue, but recently, government has provided modern machines and tools to train the students,’’ he said.

Olayiwola listed some of the facilities and equipment provided as industrial and technical machines, modern tools, furniture, fittings and painting among others.

He said that the school’s programme was for three years such as technical one, two and three.

He listed the departments available in the school to include construction, engineering and miscellaneous.

Olayiwola also listed some areas of specialisation to include crafting, furniture and fitting, textile making, hotel and catering management, wooding, painting, and electrical electronics.

The principal said that the students were groomed in their areas of specialisation to enable them to be professional in their field of studies and also be self-employed. (NAN)

– Nov. 26, 2018 @ 14:19 GMT |