JOS — The Federal Government has announced that the North Central Training Centre at Shere Hills, Jos, Plateau State, is now fully operational, marking a significant step in the ongoing implementation of the Skills to Wealth initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The centre currently runs all three core streams of the programme — Renewable Energy, Agribusiness, and Automobile Technology — offering young Nigerians practical, hands-on training in high-demand sectors of the economy.
According to officials from the Ministry of Youth Development and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), which oversees operations at the centre, the programme is aimed at addressing youth unemployment and creating a skilled workforce that can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
“This milestone aligns with President Tinubu’s vision to empower Nigerian youths through technical knowledge and access to sustainable livelihood opportunities,” a senior official said during a media briefing at the centre.
The Skills to Wealth programme was launched as a national strategy to bridge the gap between education and employability, especially in sectors with strong potential for economic growth. The Shere Hills training hub is one of several regional centres established to decentralise access to technical skills and promote inclusion across the six geopolitical zones.
In the Renewable Energy stream, trainees are taught solar installation, energy auditing, and maintenance of alternative energy systems. The Agribusiness component covers modern techniques in greenhouse farming, aquaculture, and food processing, while the Automobile Technology stream provides training in diagnostics, repairs, and electric vehicle servicing.
Local leaders and community members have lauded the initiative, noting its potential to reduce poverty and youth restiveness. “We’ve already started seeing a positive impact in Jos and neighbouring areas. Many of our youths are now engaged and hopeful,” said Yakubu Gyang, a traditional leader in the region.
Graduates of the programme are expected to receive starter packs and mentorship support to help them transition into entrepreneurship or gainful employment.
With full operations now underway at Shere Hills, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling the programme nationwide, ensuring that more Nigerian youths are equipped with practical skills that translate into wealth creation and national development.
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