289 NBTI graduands to create 2000 jobs, inject N4bn into economy

By Chukwuemeka Emmanuel

The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) Tuesday graduated 289 innovative entrepreneurs from 24 incubation centres spread across the country.

The entrepreneurs before the graduation successfully completed the compulsory 3 years incubation programme at their various centres with varying areas of specialization.

The NBTI said each of the grandstands are expected to create an average of three jobs and over 2000 jobs in total with more opportunities expected to be created by 458 entrepreneurs so far captured.

They are also expected to produce and send about 1,800 products into the market and inject over N4billion in to the economy.

Speaking at the virtual graduation ceremony of entrepreneurs hosted at the various TIP Centres in the country, the Director General of the agency, Engr. Mohammed Jubrin said the graduation was significant to the nation because the only way out of commodity economy is for individuals and organizations to innovate and adopt innovative technologies.
The DG said despite the ravaging COVID-19 Pandemic, the agency found the event as an opportunity for Nigeria to be more creative and innovative in the ways of doing things.

Of the 289 graduands from the 24 centres across the country, he explained that most of them excelled in various fields of production such as fabrication, food processing, agro-allied, chemical/pharmaceuticals and waste to wealth.

Though, with some negative sides to the economy, he said that COVID-19 Pandemic has made businesses and trade across the globe to depend on ICT to drive their daily operations.

‘‘With 40% of the population being already classified as poor, the COVID-19 crises are set to multiply the misery if left unchecked. On the positive side, the pandemic did not did not only destroy the traditional business but rather pave way for the introduction of the new normal business approach where global businesses depends on ICT to drive their daily operations and activities.

‘‘Trade in commodities is gradually giving way to trade in digital products and services. This new normal where operations and activities of businesses global are driven by ICT platforms has left the traditional development path under which the economic base of a country depend may no longer strictly apply either now or in the future due to the threat, fear, and situation created by the corona virus pandemic.

‘‘The only way out is for individuals and organizations to innovate and adopt innovative technologies.’’

While, commending the graduands for their dedication and perseverance and readiness to take Nigeria to greater heights in technology development, Jubrin charged them to be worthy ambassadors and strive to cope with future challenges that will come their way, given the stringent training they received.

He further assured them of the agencies continuous support even as they exit the training classes as part of their post-incubation scheme.

The 289 graduands graduated from the 24 Incubation Centres owned by Federal governments and spread across the 6 zones and FCT.

The Technology Incubation Programme (TIP) in Nigeria is a collaborative effort of the Federal government, the state governments and the Private sector.

Under the current partnership, the state government is expected to provide space and buildings for the centres and other necessary infrastructure that guarantee the smooth operation of the centre.

The government is also expected to provide a Science Park for the graduating entrepreneurs/enterprises.

Federal government on its part, through the Federal ministry of Science and Technology establish and implement the policies guiding the programme as well as providing the framework for the operation of the Technology Incubation Centres nationwide.

The NBTI under the Ministry of Science and Technology, is to provide direction , technology focus as well as common facilities and equipment for the program and facilities linkages of the entrepreneurs to knowledge and other professional service providers, with the aim of adding value to the entrepreneurial process which could be in the product, production process , marketing business management.

With the graduation of 289 entrepreneurs, NBTI said over 2,000 jobs are expected to be created and over N4billion injected into the economy.

In his goodwill message, the organizers of the programme, SK Engineering Options limited said the event marked a significant moment in the history of Nigeria, where 289 innovative enterprises graduated to create jobs and boost local production to GDP.

‘‘This ceremony couldn’t have been at a better time than now that government at all levels are making frantic efforts to rejuvenate the economy from the devastating impact of the dreaded pandemic.

‘‘They are graduating into a wider economic environment. We are confident that these enterprises would not only add value to their respective domains but would greatly assist in addressing some of the social problems bedeviling this country through engagement of youths in many productive activities across the country.’’