Nestlé Nigeria Plc has announced that it will offer full-time employment to ten graduates from its Nestlé Technical Training Centre (NTTC) in Agbara. This announcement was made by the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, during the graduation ceremony held recently.
The event was attended by notable figures including Ogun State Government representatives, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the National Employers Consultative Association (NECA), local traditional ruler Oba Jayeola Abimbola Agunbiade, and various other dignitaries.
Mr. Elhusseini highlighted that this graduation marks the seventh NTTC cohort in Agbara. He celebrated the completion of the 18-month training program by these ten graduates, bringing this year’s total number of NTTC graduates to 30.
The NTTC program has been instrumental in addressing the technical skills gap among Nigerian youths by offering both theoretical and practical engineering training. Upon completion, the graduates receive a City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, enhancing their job prospects.
Since its inception in 2011, the NTTC has trained over 190 individuals, with 97% of these graduates being employed by Nestlé Nigeria. The company has invested more than 6 billion naira in this upskilling initiative, underscoring its commitment to developing young talent and bridging the skills gap in the industry. This investment aims not only to improve employability but also to foster the creation of new businesses.
Elhusseini emphasized that the graduates are now well-equipped to enhance their personal economic situations and contribute to their communities. He also noted that Nestlé’s commitment to youth empowerment extends beyond the NTTC through its broader initiative, Nestlé Needs YOUth. Launched in 2013, this program focuses on four key areas: hiring youth, providing skills, offering support, and creating more opportunities.
As part of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, which began in 2021, Nestlé has reached over 16,000 young Nigerians with various forms of support including training, internships, and job placements. The Managing Director expressed his pride in announcing that all the graduates from this batch have been offered positions within Nestlé Nigeria, recognizing their hard work and dedication.
Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, represented by Deputy Director Mr. Rotimi Okeleye, praised the NTTC for equipping young Nigerians with valuable skills. He congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to continue their pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
Alhaji Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resources Manager, also congratulated the graduates and urged them to strive for further success. Outgoing Factory Manager Mr. Ibukun Olu noted that the NTTC program benefits not just Nestlé but the country as a whole, affirming that the graduates were hired because they met the company’s standards.
Traditional ruler Oba Jayeola commended Nestlé for its merit-based employment and community support, including scholarships. He encouraged the graduates to be exemplary representatives of both their community and the company.
The incoming Factory Manager, Mr. Talla Fall, expressed gratitude to the Ogun State government for supporting vocational education and encouraged the new employees to contribute to Nestlé’s growth. Representatives from MAN and NECA also commended the initiative and urged the graduates to live up to the expectations set by Nestlé and their families.
