The Federal Government is set to commence the non-graduates scheme component of the N-Power programme in July. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation (N-Power Scheme), Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede, disclosed to news men in Abuja.
He disclosed that the N-Power scheme had two broad components, namely: graduate and non-graduate component. According to him, “We are hopeful that by June/July we should deploy those ones in different batches across the country and FCT. “So it is worthy of note that those who applied for that programme (non-graduates) should just stay rested. “The fact that we have not deployed you doesn’t mean that we have forgotten you. “We have all your details, we have all your contacts and we will deal with them.’’ Imoukhuede explained that the non-graduate component of the programme was designed to empower the beneficiaries with vocational skills.
“The non-graduate component is more of skills development and vocation programme. “For vocational training, we have construction work, automobile technicians, technology, which is hardware and software. “They will come in for a programme and three months they will go and (also do) apprenticeship for nine months. “It is like one year engagement for them; while they are undergoing training they will get some stipends and they we will also provide them with necessary tools and consumables.’’ He added that the scheme would partner with employers for the apprenticeship programme and provide stipends to the volunteers.
He stressed that the programme will not only be empowering the trainees, but transferring skills to them for life as well. The presidential aide said the office had been working with relevant stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of the scheme. “We have been working behind the scene; we have signed MoU with our partners, Automotive Development Council of Nigeria, for the automotive training. “ We have got quite some big partners and we are just finalising all our arrangements.
He stated that N-power is the job creation component of the Social Investment Programme (SIP) of the current administration. Imoukhuede described SIP as the most ambitious programme of the Federal Government, adding that so far, government had committed N500 billion to the programme. “The programme received N500 billion in 2016, but unfortunately, it came at the time when the economy was grappling with low revenue,’’ he said.
