• IV-TEC graduates, govt supports 506 trainees
Kwara’s International Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship College (IVTEC) Ajase-lpo, in Irepodun Local Government on Thursday graduated at least 506 trainees at its 6th graduation ceremony.
A large chunk of the trainees (441) were sponsored by the state government under its Youth Employment and Empowerment Generation Scheme (YEEGS).
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the event reflects his administration’s sustainable investments in youth development and a commitment to promoting vocational skills.
“Today’s event further proves the priority this government attaches to technical and vocational education as a critical pillar of human capital development,” the Governor said through Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu who represented him.
“We are committed to strengthening IVTEC to become a hub for practical, industry-relevant skills, and to expanding access to vocational training, because this is an alternative and complementary pathway to conventional tertiary education.
“Our vision is clear: no willing and able youth in Kwara State should be left without an opportunity to learn a skill, earn a living, and live with dignity.”
AbdulRazaq said the government has continued to prioritize the welfare of staff and students of the College, including regular payment of salaries and stipends (for students), adding funds are also being provided for training materials and institutional running costs.
He said IVTEC has trained about 2,000 youths drawn from the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State since inception of the Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation Scheme (YEEGS) in 2021.
“More than half of these graduating youth are also being empowered with start-up packages as fully funded by the state government,” he said.
“This intervention has enabled many beneficiaries to establish businesses, become self-reliant, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.”
While commending the management of the College for their dedication to shaping skilled and responsible citizens, the Governor urged the graduating students to see themselves as job creators, innovators, and problem solvers, and not job seekers.
Dignitaries at the event included the Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, represented by Prof Stephen Alabi; Provost, College of Education (COED) Oro, Prof. Aremu Mukaila Atanda; Provost COED Technical, Lafiagi, Dr Hussain Ahmadu; Acting Provost, Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Dr Saad Hadi; President of Artisan Congress, Kwara State, Alhaji Jimoh Adeshina; representatives from the Summit University in Offa, and Olupo in Council; among others.
For his part, Rector of the College, Engr (Dr) Yaru Salihu, appreciated the Governor’s unwavering support and commitment to the growth of the institution which, according to him, was designed to reduce youth unemployment, address poverty, and expand entrepreneurship opportunities for young people across the state.
“I remain particularly grateful to the Governor for his dedication to revitalizing technical and vocational education in Kwara State and for the Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation Scheme (YEEGS), whose 7th and 8th batches are graduating today,” he said.
He said the beneficiaries received full tuition scholarships and a monthly stipend of N5,000 throughout their training.
Ige Grace Olufisayo
Press Secretary
Kwara IVTEC, Ajase-Ipo
December 19, 2025
