…to eliminate quackery, ensure safety in buildings
By Kunle Akinsola
In a bid to maximize efficiency and safety in buildings and offices, Nigeria’s power giant, Schneider Electric, in partnership with the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) and the French Development Agency, has trained another batch of 50 graduate and non-graduate electricians including females in Lagos State.
The training, according to the organisers is to eliminate quacks in the industry and empower half-baked electricians.
The three-month long training covers Solar power, Cable Routing, Wire Installation, Energy Management Systems, Metering System and several other topics.
The Director-General of NAPTIN, Mr Ahmed Nagode, said at the graduation of the participants that the training was aimed at exposing prospective electricians, beginners and installers to either learn the profession or consolidate previous knowledge in key electrical installation subjects.
He noted that the number of female electricians who participated in the second batch had increased significantly and urged more females to take advantage of the next training.
Noting that the females who turned up for the training exercise proved to be exceptional, Nagode advocated a deliberate strategy to increase women participation.
“Compared to the last batch, it is good we have registered an increase in the level of interest from women electricians but that is still a far cry from the desired level,” said Nagode, who was represented by an official of the institute, Mr Ayoola Ramoni.
The first round of the training began in May and ended in August this year.
Speaking with journalists at the graduation ceremony, Mr Isaac Adeleke, the Training Project Coordinator for Schneider Electric, noted that the company had designed a follow-up programme for those trained.
“The quality of delivery is not in doubt. To ensure the application of global standards, Schneider Electric has upskilled NAPTIN trainers through extensive training in France and Nigeria.
“With the support of the French Development Agency, Schneider Electric also provided a fully equipped laboratory to reinforce technical training,’’ he said.
He added:“Graduates, undergraduates and those without any formal education, beginners seeking to refresh their technical know-how are welcome.
“The plan by Schneider Electric and its partners is to implement the program in three cities: Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt; with Lagos being the pilot city.
“The centres are set to train 360 Nigerians per year in electrical installation across the country.’’
The first batch of the training began in May and ended in August this year.
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