… As C-STEMP Celebrates Craftsmanship, Tackles Nigeria’s Skills Gap
… Stakeholders Advocate Reviving Technical Colleges to Bolster Skilled Workforce
Key industry leaders have reiterated the urgent need for increased investment in technical education to address Nigeria’s widening skills gap and improve construction standards.
Speaking at the 5th Construction Artisans Awards (CAA) and Skills Expo 2024, held under the theme ‘Breaking Boundaries and Barriers Through Excellent Craftsmanship,’ stakeholders emphasized the pivotal role of well-trained artisans in driving quality construction and reducing incidences like building collapses.
Bldr. Anthony Okwa, Director-General of C-STEMP, and Dr. (Rev. Surv.) Ugochukwu Chime, Chairman of the C-STEMP Skills Training and Partnerships Board, called for the urgent revival of technical education to address Nigeria’s widening skills gap and improve construction standards. The duo emphasized the critical need for skilled artisans in building a sustainable construction industry.
Okwa called for practical, industry-aligned training in technical schools to equip artisans with the skills required to meet modern construction demands. “Technical schools must move beyond name recognition to practical, hands-on training. The government must establish clear policies and allocate sustainable budgets to ensure effective skills development,” Okwa stated.
Dr. Chime underscored the vital role artisans play in transforming designs into reality, stressing the need for their contributions to be acknowledged and supported. “Without artisans’ diligent execution of designs, our structures would remain mere concepts. It’s time to recognize their work and provide them with growth opportunities through mentorship and education,” he said.
Prince Akintoye Adeoye, National President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that empowering artisans is essential for achieving safe and sustainable building practices.
Mrs. Akinyoade Florence, former President of the Association of Professional Women Builders of Nigeria (APWBN), called for a systemic overhaul to strengthen technical education. “The lack of well-trained artisans is one of the reasons for building collapses. The government must revive technical colleges to produce professionals equipped for modern construction demands,” Florence said.
Fidelis Imoisili, Director General of the Federation of Construction Industry, underscored the significance of skilled artisans in improving efficiency and output in the construction industry. “Skilled artisans reduce project delays and ensure quality output. Government and employers must collaborate to make artisan training integral to our education system,” Imoisili stated.
Bldr. Okwa also emphasized the need for technical schools to prioritize practical training over theory and align their curricula with industry needs. “Technical schools must move beyond name recognition to practical, hands-on training. The government needs to establish clear policies and dedicated budgets for skills development to make these initiatives sustainable,” he said.
The event underscored the pressing need for structured and sustainable approaches to artisan training. Programs like I-LEAP (Innovation Learning Employment and Job Placement), developed in partnership with NEPAD, were lauded for their potential to incorporate technology into training and streamline the certification process for artisans.
Dr. Chime also highlighted the importance of mentorship and recognition. “Without artisans’ diligent execution of designs, our structures would remain mere concepts. It’s time to recognize their work and provide them with growth opportunities,” he noted.
The awards ceremony featured inspiring stories from artisans whose participation in the competition transformed their skills and opened up new career opportunities. Ekeke Nzubechi from Abia State, credited the platform for helping him achieve professional success. “This competition taught me to work to standard and gave me leverage to partner with top-notch building industries,” he said.
Another winner, Nyia Precious Chisom from Enugu State, celebrated the opportunity to showcase her abilities. “Winning this award has motivated me to strive for excellence and pursue greater achievements in the future,” she said.
Other stakeholders, including Bldr. Dr. Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of CORBON, Bldr. Sir Alderton Ewa Ewa, President of NIOB, CEO of Fesadeb Media Group, and Board Member, C-Stemp, Barr. Festus Adebayo called for government and private-sector collaboration to scale up support for skills development. They urged policymakers to fund technical schools, establish dedicated budgets for training programs, and implement deliberate policies to support artisans.
Dr. Opaluwah stressed the importance of youth engagement in technical education. “We must build a system where technical education is prioritized, mentorship is embedded, and artisans are celebrated. This is the foundation for a sustainable construction industry,” he said.
Since its inception in 2019, the CAA has celebrated over 2,000 artisans, becoming an annual tradition that uplifts craftsmanship and connects artisans with opportunities to thrive. Organizers reaffirmed their commitment to linking the CAA to international competitions like the biannual WorldSkills event, fostering global competitiveness among Nigerian artisans and showcasing their talent on a larger stage.
The awards ceremony was a call to action for stakeholders to recognize the vital role artisans play in nation-building. From addressing the housing deficit to driving economic growth, the skills of Nigeria’s artisans remain indispensable. The event continues to shine as a beacon of hope, encouraging artisans to dream big and solidifying their place as critical contributors to Nigeria’s future.
By investing in their development, Nigeria can unlock a more robust, efficient, and globally competitive construction industry.
