Firm empowers graduates to strengthen technical sector

SAMSUNG Engineering Academy, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative between Samsung Electronics and the Lagos State government, through the World Bank supported Eko Project, has graduated 67 technicians from the academy. They join 118 graduates who have passed through the academy over the last 4 years.

The graduands who are expected to deepen the pool of well trained technicians in the country, were all given tool boxes in line with their specialised trade area, to better equip them for the future as entrepreneurs or as part of a skilled workforce. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Sunday Awefi, a representative of Lagos Eko Project, stated that the Samsung Engineering Academy is a great initiative which has given hope to youths with technical skills and has also equipped them to become technicians in electronics engineering. It is a tremendous improvement to the Country’s technology sector, he said.

 “The engineers are now well equipped with sound technical skills, which will help them build a better future for themselves while contributing towards driving Nigeria’s economic growth and development. Mr. Changwook Lee, Managing Director, Samsung West Africa, stated that; “The academy revolutionizes traditional education by providing technical and vocational training for school learners, tertiary students and unemployed youth. This links to Samsung’s goal to create a sustainable and meaningful contribution to education and employability. “Samsung’s aim is to build successful partnerships in Nigeria to equip the country’s youth with the technical skills they need to transform their lives and contribute to the development of the country.” According to Abosede George-Ogan, Corporate Citizenship Manager, Samsung West Africa, the academy was established to empower indigent Nigerians and positively impact communities.

 He said: “Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and we believe education is the seed of innovation. Our hope is that through initiatives like the Samsung Engineering Academy we can empower the youth by creating opportunities that will lead to sustainable employment.” The overall best student, Jayeiola Kareem, said: “Very few individuals at my level have had the opportunity to be a part of such a programme, especially one sponsored by a global organization like Samsung. The entire programme was exciting and also very challenging.

As a direct result of my training at the academy, I am now better equipped as an engineer. Using the Samsung Engineering Academy as a platform to empower young people like myself is rewarding not just for me, but for the people around me – my community, Nigeria and Africa as a whole.