The Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, witnessed a groundbreaking event on September 4th, 2024, as over 200 engineering students were empowered with practical skills in assembling, repairing, and servicing TVS tricycles (commonly known as "keke") under the banner of the "Touch the Future" initiative. The program was organized in partnership with Simba Group of Companies, Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of TVS tricycles, in an effort to equip students with hands-on vocational skills. Held at the International Conference Center, IMT Enugu, the event brought together faculty members, students, and representatives from Simba Group.
The Touch the Future scheme, launched four months ago, has been an instrumental initiative targeting both male and female engineering students at IMT. The scheme has two components:
- Technical Skills Training: Male and female students were taught how to assemble, repair, and service tricycles, focusing on both mechanical and electrical aspects of TVS tricycles.
- "Be a Queen Rider" Initiative: A special arm of the scheme exclusively for female engineering students, who were trained to operate tricycles commercially, providing them with the skills and confidence to earn a living in the transport sector.
The training culminated in the graduation of 65 students, who were awarded certificates of participation after successfully completing four months of rigorous sessions and workshops. The event featured keynote speeches, awards, and recognition of the efforts by both students and organizers.
Dr. Patrick Emeka Ejim, the Acting Rector of IMT, delivered an inspiring speech, beginning with heartfelt thanks to God for the success of the partnership. He expressed profound gratitude to Simba Group for offering the training at no cost to the students.
“If there is no head, there will be no crown,” he quoted, emphasizing the value of leadership and vision in education. He also extended his appreciation to the students for their commitment to the program.
Dr. Ejim praised the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his policies promoting disruptive innovation and vocational skill acquisition, which paved the way for initiatives like Touch the Future. He expressed hope that the program would continue beyond its current phase, enabling more students to benefit in the future.
In closing, he urged the Director of the School of Engineering to reach out to more companies willing to collaborate on similar projects, stressing the need for continuous partnerships to enhance students’ vocational training. “If you are not ashamed to be equipped, then the future is bright for you,” he noted, encouraging students to embrace skill acquisition as the pathway to success.
In his remarks, Mr. Tim Adibe, the Director of the School of Engineering, described the partnership with Simba Group as a “square peg in a square hole,” highlighting how timely the scheme was. He emphasized the role of the program in job creation and economic empowerment, pointing out its alignment with the amended ITF Act 2024, which mandates that graduates must possess vocational skills to qualify for the NYSC program.
Mr. Adibe thanked Mr. Varinder Jha, the Regional Supervisor of Simba Group of Companies (South-East), for his pivotal role in ensuring the success of the training. He reiterated the importance of such initiatives in providing students with the skills needed to excel in today's competitive job market.
Varinder Jha, Regional Supervisor of Simba Group, Encourages Student Entrepreneurship
Representing Simba Group, Mr. Varinder Jha expressed his gratitude to the IMT management for their support throughout the program. He commended the students for their dedication and participation, while expressing hope that the skills acquired during the training would enable them to become independent entrepreneurs and economically empowered individuals. He emphasized that the primary goals of the initiative were to enhance students' vocational abilities, create job opportunities, and instill entrepreneurial spirit.
While he event came to a close, the atmosphere was one of pride and optimism. The Touch the Future initiative, in collaboration with Simba Group, represents a significant step toward fostering job creation and skill acquisition in Nigeria. The success of the program has set a strong precedent for future partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders, promising a brighter, more empowered future for Nigeria’s youth.
With over 65 students now certified and equipped with critical vocational skills, the IMT-Enugu community looks forward to extending this program and opening the door for more students to benefit from similar opportunities.
The event not only marked the end of a successful training program but also the beginning of a promising journey for these young engineers as they prepare to touch the future with their newfound skills.
