The International Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship College (IVTEC), Ajase-Ipo has matriculated no fewer than 199 students for the special certificate programme in the first circle of the 2018/2019 academic session.
The students are expected to undergo three months training in technical and vocational training in Electrical, Carpentry & Joinery, Welding and Fabrication, Catering and Culinary, Electrical Installation, Building Construction, Automotive Mechatronics, Masonry, CCTV, Web Design, Computer Hardware, Plumbing among others.
At the end of three months training, they would also go for nine months paid attachments programme.
This current trainees were sourced from Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO), Kwara State chapter of Artisan Congress and N-power group.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony, the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed said IVTEC was established to provide skilled manpower to the country's manufacturing sector and promote entrepreneurship among our youths.
Represented by the state commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Bilikis Oniyangi, the governor said over 150 students had completed various programs from IVTEC.
He noted that 25 students who successfully completed short training courses in solar installation, trouble shooting and maintenance had been given access to N1million in tools.
The governor explained that considering the success of pioneer students of the college, IVTEC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the World Bank to give 250 students first-level skills quarterly.
"The MoU also provides for payment of monthly stipends for each trainee for the period of the training and industrial apprenticeship to further expose the trainees to their various chosen vocations
He urged the matriculating students to focus on excelling in their academics and take advantage of the numerous opportunities that IVTEC provides.
The Governor further enjoined students of the college to keep the matriculation oath, and shun all forms of anti-social behavior such as cultism, examination malpractice and hooliganism.
In his remark, the Rector of the college, Dr Ade Somide said enrollment number would rise from 199 before the end of the week because about 300 students have been admitted into the programme.
He said the event was designed to formally admit special certificate programme students/trainees to IVTEC, adding that those who graduate would be self-reliant economically and would obtain national and international professional certification in the their fields of study.
The rector disclosed that the institution would be holding IVTEC Community Day annually during which it would identity and contribute its bits to solving community problem.
He further disclosed that November 27 every year would officially be declared as IVTEC day during which the college would celebrate IVTEC and its alumni with a host of inspiring events, competitions, seminars, fundraisers and receptions.
In his royal message, the Olupo of Ajase, Oba Sikiru Atanda Sanni Woleola ll commended the state government for the establishment of IVTEC.
The monarch advised the newly admitted students to focus on their studies, obey the college rules and regulations and shun any distractive tendencies.
