The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, has commenced specialised training in articulated vehicle driving, heavy equipment operations, maintenance and safety for 100 trainees from Ebonyi State, under the human capital development initiative of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
The programme, which was officially flagged off on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, is designed to equip the participants with practical and technical skills, promote self-reliance and address the skills gap in Ebonyi State, while creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.
Welcoming the Ebonyi State delegation, the Director-General and Chief Executive of NITT, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, commended Governor Nwifuru for his foresight, confidence in the institute’s expertise and commitment to developing the skills of Ebonyi youths.
Dr. Farah disclosed that Ebonyi State was the first state to sponsor such a large number of participants for the specialised training programme. He expressed confidence that the training would provide the participants with relevant practical knowledge to become entrepreneurs in the near future.
He urged the trainees to demonstrate discipline, responsibility and dedication throughout the programme to maximise the benefits of the opportunity.
Earlier, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Skills Development and Job Creation, Prof. Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, appreciated Governor Nwifuru for prioritising human capital development and investing in initiatives aimed at equipping citizens with practical skills.
The commissioner also commended the Ebonyi Outreach Learning Centre Liaison Officer, Engr. Nnamdi Anyanwu, for his commitment to ensuring the success of the programme, while acknowledging the leadership of the NITT Director-General.
Describing NITT as an internationally recognised institution with established expertise in infrastructure, teaching and research, Prof. Obasi expressed the Ebonyi State Government’s readiness to build a lasting partnership with the institute.
He assured that a second phase of the training programme would be undertaken in due course, signalling the government’s intention to expand the initiative and extend its benefits to more people.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director of the Transport Technology Centre, NITT, Dr. Joshua Odeleye, described the programme as a reflection of the institute’s recognised contribution to human capital development.
In his closing remarks, the Registrar of NITT, Dr. Maina W. A. Tarfa, expressed appreciation to the Ebonyi State Government for entrusting the institute with the training of its youths. He assured the state that NITT would deliver on its mandate and justify the confidence placed in it.
The initiative represents a practical approach to skills acquisition, with specialised training in heavy-duty vehicle driving and equipment operations offering participants opportunities to develop technical competencies that can support employment, entrepreneurship and economic productivity.
By sponsoring 100 trainees for the programme, the Ebonyi State Government is seeking to strengthen the capacity of its people through vocational and technical education, with a second phase expected to broaden the reach of the initiative.
