The Lagos State government, in collaboration with the Mojisola Olayinka Fatungase Oedema Foundation and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (South-West Zone), embarked on a month-long intensive training program focused on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion. This initiative, targeting 500 polytechnic students across the South-West region, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a CNG-powered Nigeria and seeks to equip the youth with the necessary skills to drive this transition. Held at Yaba College of Technology, the program’s launch brought together government officials, industry experts, and stakeholders, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this significant undertaking.
The training program, themed “The Future of CNG in Nigeria: Empowering a Sustainable Tomorrow,” is strategically designed to build indigenous capacity in CNG handling and maintenance. It addresses the growing need for skilled technicians in the burgeoning CNG sector, preparing students for the emerging job market and contributing to the nation’s sustainable energy future. The initiative aims to empower these future engineers with practical, hands-on experience, fostering a generation of professionals capable of leading the charge in CNG adoption across various sectors. Beyond technical skills, the program also instills in participants an understanding of the environmental and economic benefits of CNG, positioning them as advocates for a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, highlighted CNG’s environmental advantages, emphasizing its lower pollutant emissions compared to conventional fuels. He framed the program within Nigeria’s broader climate action goals, showcasing CNG adoption as a critical step towards mitigating environmental impact and achieving sustainability targets. Osiyemi commended the collaborative nature of the initiative, stressing its importance in fostering knowledge transfer and creating a skilled workforce prepared for the demands of a CNG-driven economy. He encouraged the student participants to fully utilize this opportunity to acquire specialized skills and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s energy transition.
Funmilade Akingbagbohun, immediate past National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, further reinforced the program’s twofold impact, highlighting its contribution to both youth empowerment and environmental sustainability. She underscored the economic benefits of CNG, emphasizing its potential to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products. This shift towards domestic energy sources, she argued, would contribute to foreign exchange conservation and bolster national energy security. Akingbagbohun positioned the program as a catalyst for a sustainable energy future, transforming participants from mere technicians into pioneers of a cleaner and more secure energy landscape.
The intensive nature of the month-long program ensures that students receive comprehensive training, covering theoretical and practical aspects of CNG conversion and maintenance. This immersion in CNG technology will equip them with the confidence and competence to contribute effectively to Nigeria’s growing CNG sector. The certification awarded upon completion further validates their expertise, enhancing their employability and positioning them as valuable assets in the transition to a cleaner energy future.
This initiative symbolizes a strategic investment in human capital and underscores the importance of equipping the next generation with the skills required to navigate the evolving energy landscape. By empowering these young engineers, the program lays a solid foundation for a sustainable energy future, contributing not only to environmental preservation but also to economic growth and national energy security. The program’s multifaceted approach, combining hands-on training, industry collaboration, and a focus on sustainable practices, positions it as a model for future initiatives aimed at driving Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
