Nigeria’s quest to leverage technology is receiving strong support as the MOMAS Group has laid the foundation for a €3 million Technical Vocational and Educational Training Centre for Electro-Technology in Ogun State.

Chairman of MOMAS, Mr. Kola Balogun, stated that the centre’s primary goal is to build on past efforts to equip young people with practical skills that can help lift them out of poverty while simultaneously strengthening the nation’s technological capacity.

He further explained that the centre is designed to play a critical role in advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy goals. Balogun detailed the centre’s function, saying: “The centre will provide the needed skills for installing solar panels, solar batteries and energy storage systems, thereby complementing the significant investments already made by government in renewable energy.”
Balogun articulated the ambitious vision for the institution, stating: “The goal is to establish an internationally recognised institution capable of training top-tier engineers and technicians.”

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, praised the project as a model of private-sector leadership in effectively addressing Nigeria’s critical manpower gaps, particularly within the power sector.

Ayinde outlined the specific areas the centre will address, stating: “This project directly responds to critical manpower shortages in smart electricity metering, electrical wiring and maintenance, renewable energy technologies, and electro-technology safety practices.”

Also speaking, Mr. Gemechu Berhanu Kusa, the AUDA-NEPAD representative, described the centre as symbolizing the birth of a transformative training hub where young Africans can acquire life-changing skills. He asserted: “This centre is a bold step in our shared mission to empower Africa’s youth.”
Kusa emphasized the value of vocational education, noting: “Technical and vocational education is not a second choice, but a first-class pathway to opportunity, dignity and sustainable livelihoods.”

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala, applauded MOMAS for its vision, describing the initiative as timely. She stressed the national need, stating: “The nation is in desperate need of skilled manpower to drive infrastructure development, industrial growth and technological advancement.”

Oguntala called for strong collaboration from the Lagos State Government, the Federal Government, and stakeholders in the engineering and energy sectors to maximize the centre’s intended impact.

Mr. Hammed Abiodun, Group Managing Director of MOMAS, described the day as a landmark moment for the organization, highlighting its consistent investment in youth development. He underscored the centre’s significance, saying: “This recognition by the German government is a testament to our long-standing commitment to adding value to society, especially the youth.”