GreenVETAfrica Celebrates the Graduation of Nigeria’s First Certified Waste Management Students at the Replication Workshop in Lagos
At the final workshop that took place in Lagos, Nigeria on the 14th of November, the project results and impacts were presented to key stakeholders followed by a graduation ceremony for the Nigerian students who have completed the professional Green Waste management training programme developed under the project.
Adriano Mauro, Managing director of AREA and GreenVETAfrica project coordinator opened the event by stating that the project integrated digital skills training into the curriculum, needed for learners to navigate the evolving landscape of modern employment and entrepreneurship while fostering the uptake of Green Waste Circular Economy practices among VET schools.
The project intercepted an existing gap in technical profiles in West Africa particularly Ghana and Nigeria where environmental studies and technology training are offered exclusively at college and university levels with no vocational education and training programmes in place to train them to fill in the numerous green industry vacancies.
Elizabeth Ademola, Head of Climate Change and Diplomacy, Lagos Waste Management (LAWMA), outlined the key stages of waste management, describing the program as a comprehensive approach to understanding the waste management ecosystem. This paves the way for various opportunities to benefit both youth and the community.
The programme successfully graduated 25 students in Nigeria, while 48 students were trained and engaged in internship experiences with some already securing jobs in the industry.
Norbert Edomah, Associate Professor at Pan Atlantic University who piloted the training programme for learners in Nigeria was also present to award the students their certificates.
From a stakeholder’s perspective, Mrs Yetunde Kalesanwo Oluwakemi, Director of the Lagos State Mass Education Agency reinforced how impactful the training is and the interest in replicating the training programme across the Agency Schools, in collaboration with LAWMA.
“This training is not just beneficial to the students but also to their communities and Lagos state at large and it is well aligned with the government efforts to preserve the environment” Ms. Tari Taylaur, Senior Special Assistant on Environment to the Lagos state Governor stated.
Dr. Adewuni Stephen Oladapo, National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) Southeast Zonal Coordinator explained how the GreenVETAfrica course and students were assessed before granting accreditation and certificates.
The programme represents a significant step towards advancing Africa’s green waste management practices and will continue to work towards its sustainability through future projects.
