Akwa Ibom debunks claims on skill centre

The Akwa Ibom State Government has strongly denied allegations that the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre in Ikot Ada Idem, located in the Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, is inactive, calling the rumors unfounded.

Concerns had been raised that the Centre, intended for vocational training, had devolved into merely a “glorified technical school” with minimal activity. However, during a media tour on Wednesday, Essien Nduese, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Research and Documentation, addressed these claims, asserting that the facility is fully operational and achieving considerable progress.

Nduese guided journalists on a tour of the Centre, explaining that the purpose of the visit was to provide direct insights into its functions and to clarify any misconceptions.

In his remarks, Prof. Enoidem Usoro, the Centre’s Rector, along with Chief Churchill Udoh, the Chairman of the Governing Council, and other management members, called the visit timely. Usoro confirmed that the Centre has been actively engaged since the Governing Council’s inauguration.

“Following the inauguration on May 20, 2024, we promptly initiated operations. We set up essential protocols, opened registration portals, and conducted assessments for both trainees and trainers,” Usoro stated.

He further noted that the Centre’s official launch took place on September 11, led by Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, the Commissioner for Education.

“The Governor has committed to funding five trainees from each local government area. Currently, we have 250 trainees enrolled—200 of whom are receiving government support, while the remaining 50 are privately funded,” he elaborated.

Usoro mentioned that privately funded trainees are charged a fee of N250,000, which includes accommodation and training materials, but does not cover meals.

The Centre offers five areas of study: Agriculture, Hospitality and Lifestyle Management, Metal and Steel Fabrication, Wood Technology, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), along with general entrepreneurial training.

During the tour, journalists explored various departments, including ICT, fashion design, catering, shoemaking, fisheries, livestock management, poultry, snail farming, furniture making, welding, and fabrication.

In response to inquiries, Chief Udoh indicated that the Centre operates as a full-boarding institution, capable of housing up to 500 trainees per intake. He added that, despite receiving over 2,000 applications, the decision was made to start with 250 trainees to maintain quality and ensure gradual development.