By Obiageli Nwankwo :
Anambra Commissioner For Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has lauded the Agulu Peoples Union(APU) for their foresight in establishing the APU Vocation Academy, Agulu.
Prof Chuma-Udeh gave the commendation at the official opening and first matriculation ceremony of the academy held at the school premises in Agulu.
She said that investing in the future of society is always laudable and showcases a society that is interested in the progress of the community.
“Your projection and interest in the future of the youth are manifest with this school. Youths are in dilemma, they do not know their right from their left, with this Academy, the community is saying that self-sustenance is the best gift one can give to another.
“The acquisition of skill is important in human life; once acquired, it stays with one throughout life unlike a corporate job that one retires from at a certain age,” she posited.
Prof Chuma Udeh asserted that Agulu people have always been known as hardworking people and their proficiency in skill acquisition is also well-known, adding that she is not surprised that they embarked on such a venture.
She assured the community that the present administration will give the academy every support needed to make it an enabling institute for the students while promising to solicit future collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development as it aligns with Governor Soludo’s 1-Youth, 2-Skills initiative.
In his remarks, the President General of Agulu Peoples Union, Chief Oliver Afamefuna recounted the event that led to the establishment of the Academy, stating that it was borne out of passion to take the youths off the street and social vices such as drug abuse, thuggery and actively engage them in profitable venture via the acquisition of skills in diverse trades.
The Director of APU Vocation Academy, Dr, Emmanuel Duezeh in his address stated that the Academy is not limited to Agulu Indigenes alone but is open to all who are interested in acquiring a skill or two while adding that currently, the Academy is offering 11 courses which cut across bag making, footwear, nylon making electrical works amongst others.
The highlight of the event was a tour of the facility and inspection of some of the products by the Academy by Commissioner Chuma-Udeh and her entourage which included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, and Director of the Technical and Vocational Education, Lady Ngozi Enemuo
- Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *