Tosin Aderibigbe
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has cautioned skill acquisition trainers against engaging underaged children between 12 years and 16 years or face prosecution
The deputy director skill development and acquisition , federal ministry of labour and employment , Mr Gabriel Ojelade gave the caution at a skill development and certification program held in Akure the ondo state capital.
He said that there were laws against putting underaged children through whatever apprenticeship trainings warning that the law would be activated against violators.
The deputy director also announced that in line with the law , registration of apprenticeship, training, conduct of examination and issuance of certificates were under the purview of the ministry, hence the need for trainers to always consult the ministry and abide by laid down regulations to avoid litigations.
Mr Ojelade particularly stressed on deemphasizing acquiring certificates and giving prominence to acquiring vocational skills to boost the economy as it was done in developed countries facilitating their geometric growth economically.
Also speaking at the program, a representative from federal technical college , Mr Sunday Boboye announced that there were 28 free skill acquisition centers across ondo state for the youths to learn different vocational skills.
He however regretted that the” get rich quick syndrome ” had prevented many youths from becoming entrepreneurs.
Earlier in a welcome address , ondo state controller , federal ministry of labour and employment , Mrs Nike Magbounko mentioned that the federal government was collaborating with the trainers in the bid to tackle unemployment .
One of the trainers , Mr Gbenga Olisa and a trainee , Mr Oluwatosin Fakorede asked for adequate government support .
Present at the program were representatives from Industrial Training Fund , ITF , Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, tailor association, hairdresser, plumbers, carpentry, mechanic, welders among others.
The program also featured road show to sensitise the public on the need for skill development.