Report on CIDJAP Meeting with Enugu State Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB)
Date: 10th February 2025Venue: Bishop Eneja Hall, CIDJAP
Attendance:
* CIDJAP: Eight (8) Management Staff led by Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, Founding Director of CIDJAP, Dr. Ebele Odinachi, Fr. Chidi Ani, Fr. Ambrose Ofodile, Mrs. Julie Okenwa, Barr. Egbuna P.C, Mr. Goddy Ike, Mr. Ikenna David O.
* STVSMB: Six (6) Board Members led by Chairperson Amaka Ngene, Mr. Alumona, Mrs. Josphine Anioko, Hon. Tony Nwobodo, Barr. Ngozi Chibogu.
Opening Formalities
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer led by Fr. Chidiebere Paul Ani. Following this, the attendees introduced themselves. The CIDJAP team was introduced by Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, while the STVSMB team was introduced by Barr. Ngozi, who then introduced the Chairman, Mrs. Amaka Ngene, and other board members.
Purpose of the Meeting
The Chairman, Amaka Ngene, addressed the gathering, commending Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike for the outstanding work at CIDJAP, which she described as a mini-government due to its structure and impact. She also appreciated the Vocational Technical Training Centre (VTTC) Olu Aka Di Mma for its continued efforts in youth training and mentioned that the board had previously visited the VTTC.
The primary objective of the visit was to foster a Private Partnership Investment between STVSMB and CIDJAP. The board seeks collaboration with private institutions that have the equipment, experience, and capacity to provide hands-on training. The STVSMB oversees 39 schools with over 1169 teachers, yet lacks a structured hands-on training program, which this partnership aims to address.
The goal of this initiative is to ensure that in four (4) years, all Enugu State graduates will have at least one vocational skill. The board proposed that VTTC reserve specific days or weeks for students to gain practical training at the center.
CIDJAP’s Response
Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike commended Amaka Ngene for her passionate and articulate speech, aligning with CIDJAP’s commitment to vocational education. He emphasized that GTC graduates require practical training at VTTC, which may necessitate adjustments in VTTC’s curriculum to accommodate STVSMB students.
He suggested drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between STVSMB and CIDJAP to formalize the partnership. Msgr. Obiora Ike also provided an overview of VTTC Olu Aka Di Mma and the Nazareth Skill Acquisition Center, outlining their various departments. He highlighted CIDJAP’s VTTC current priority of training House Masters.
Action Plan
1. Follow-up Team Formation:
- CIDJAP appointed Dr. Ebele, Mr. Goddy Ike, and Fr. Chidi to oversee the partnership.
- TVSMB will constitute their own team to work with CIDJAP.
2. Awareness Workshop:
- A 3-day general awareness workshop will be conducted.
- After the workshop, arrangements will be made with Centre for Practical Skills (GOU, Enugu) for further possible training.
3. MOU Development:
Egbuna P.C will liaise with the Board on the MOU.
4. Upcoming Meetings:
- CIDJAP & STVSMB Sub-Committee Meeting: Scheduled for 17th February 2025, at 10:30 AM
- This meeting will include VTTC’s biggest benefactor, Grehan Bloom who arrives Enugu on the 16th February 2025.
5. Workshop Date Proposal:
- The first week of May (1st - 17th May 2025) was suggested for the workshop.
- Fr. Ambrose will coordinate with STVSMB regarding finalizing the workshop schedule.
Closing Remarks / Vote of Thanks:
- Ambrose gave the vote of thanks on behalf of CIDJAP.
- Mrs. Josephine expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with Msgr. Obiora Ike for such a fruitful deliberation on behalf of STVSMB.
Closing Prayer: Led by Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, who also gave his final blessing.
Conclusion
The meeting successfully established the foundation for a potential partnership between CIDJAP and STVSMB to enhance vocational education in Enugu State. The proposed MOU, awareness workshops, and practical training schedules are key steps in ensuring that Enugu State graduates acquire valuable vocational skills. Both parties look forward to continued collaboration in the coming months and years.
