By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In furtherance of its capacity building mandate, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has concluded the first phase of the career counselling sessions for science students from selected secondary schools across the nine oil producing states.
The sessions were organised with the goal of influencing the students to pursue careers in strategic sectors of the economy, particularly in engineering related courses which is the core for national development.
The students were also advised on the subject combinations they should select while applying for courses in higher institutions as well as the professions they needed to study to stand a good chance of securing employment in the oil and gas industry and help fill capacity gaps in the oil and gas sector and ancillary industries.
The students were also counselled to take interest in agriculture and associated industries, which currently lack skilled engineers and scientists needed to manufacture and operate hi-tech equipment like tractors, processors, storage tanks and other implements needed to achieve food sufficiency for the nation.
The career talk also featured lectures on the history of the oil and gas industry, gender equality and effective communication skills.
The programme began at the Ondo State Ministry of Education Resource Centre, Akure, with 44 students from 26 schools in attendance.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education in the state, Pastor R.A Asaniyan, declared the session open and thanked the NCDMB for helping to forge a good career path for the students.
In his remarks, Mr Jonah Moses, an officer in the Capacity Building Division of NCDMB, explained the mandate of the Board and the functionalities of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS) and how interested persons can register on the portal and access opportunities in the industry.
At the end of the sessions, questions were posed to the participating students and those who responded with the best correct answers won prizes. Miss Awotiku Olufisayo from Fiwasaye Girls Grammar school and Master Boyinbode John from Greater Tomorrow College won new laptops.
In Benin, Edo State, the programme was attended by 26 students at the Multi-purpose hall, Imaguero College. Miss Grace Doere Edduam, 16 and Miss Ezekiel Odoh Loveth, 16, both from Imaguero College won the laptops on offer.
In Asaba, Delta State, the programme took place at Christy Akako French Language Center and was attended by 42 students. Master Okoye David, 14, from Faith Academy, Asaba and Master Anouhara Valentine, 16, from St. Peter Claver’s College, won new laptops.
In her remarks at the event, the Director, Science, Vocational and Technical Education, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Delta State, Mrs Joyce Biyibi challenged the students to be focused in their studies. She also commended the Board for initiating the career talk and pleaded that it should be extended to all the local government areas in the state.
In Calabar, Cross Rivers State, the programme took place at West African People’s Institute (WAPI) and was attended by 38 students. Miss Eyo Aruku Samuel from WAPI and Master Edet Christopher Effiong from Government College, Ikot Ansa, won the prizes.
The career counselling sessions will be extended to other oil producing states in the second phase.
