ISPON president advocates greater investment in technical education
Mr Timothy Iwuagwu, the National President, Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), has urged government and the private sector to invest more in technical education to drive national development.
He made the call at the unveiling of the Affordable Transportation Solutions (ATRaS) Mobility Transition Summit 2026 in Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa.
He said technical education remained the foundation of technological advancement in many developed countries and was critical to Nigeria’s industrialisation.
He added that countries that attained technological breakthroughs achieved them through sustained investment in vocational and technical education.
Iwuagwu said “technological advancement of nations started through technical education.
“In the past, students in technical colleges underwent general studies before specialising in trades such as carpentry, joinery, welding and building construction.
“That is how countries develop their technological base and build skilled manpower.”
The ISPON boss noted that vocational and technical skills development provided the practical knowledge required for sustainable national growth.
He lamented the increasing emphasis on academic certificates at the expense of practical skills, stressing that competence should take precedence over paper qualifications.
He said technical knowledge could be effectively transferred through training, irrespective of language barriers.
He described the electric tricycle initiative as a platform for job creation, employment generation and economic empowerment.
Iwuagwu, however, stressed the need to prioritise safety in the programme, noting that work should provide livelihoods without exposing workers to injury, illness or death.
He advocated mandatory safety training and certification for beneficiaries before they commence operation of electric tricycles.
According to him, electric mobility technology requires specialised knowledge because of risks associated with battery charging, electrical systems and equipment handling.
The safety expert said continuous awareness and training would help operators to understand safety procedures and minimise operational hazards.
He also called for stronger public-private sector collaboration to harness emerging technologies for economic growth and development.
He assured investors that the Northeast was becoming increasingly safe for investment and business activities.
He attributed the improving investment climate to enhanced security measures and sustained government efforts to maintain peace and stability across the region.
The ISPON president urged investors to take advantage of the region’s economic opportunities, saying perceptions of insecurity often did not reflect realities on the ground.