The Federal Government has empowered over 35,000 graduates in different skills through its Graduate Internship Scheme.
The Project Director of GIS, Mr. Dennis Chukwu, disclosed this in Abeokuta on Monday during an orientation programme organised for interns, in partnership with government and non-governmental organisations.
Chukwu, who was represented by Eronwu Chiemela, also said many of the beneficiaries had secured jobs while some others had started their own businesses.
He said, “I am happy to disclose that over 35,000 graduates have exited the scheme, with thousands of them securing jobs and many starting their own businesses thorough credit facilities, cooperative associations, grants especially YouWin!”
He said the programme was aimed at tackling unemployment among graduates, by entering into special partnerships with government and non-governmental organisations to have graduates trained, mentored and supported in non-oil sectors.
Chukwu, who disclosed that no fewer than 41,161, with 68 per cent males, 31 per cent females and 1 per cent vulnerable, had benefitted from the scheme since inception.
He explained that the essence of the orientation programme with the theme: ‘Orientation and Employability Skills Training for Interns and Firm Representatives in Ogun State’, is part of government’s commitment to beefing up interns’ capacity in service effectiveness.
He said, “This is part of government’s contributions towards the enhancement of their capacity in service effectiveness, especially through staff assessment, official etiquette and staff management/development through structured mentorship.
“It also provides an opportunity to share ideas with other partners and interns on workplace ethics, performance and how to optimise the benefits of the scheme.”
He added that the special synergy between GIS and government as well as non-governmental organisations, would have graduates trained, mentored and supported in non-oil export trades.
