By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.
The Life-Long Development Academy (LDA), Uyo, has graduated its second batch of trainees making a total of 200 trainees since inception, restating its mission to build a new generation of innovative, self-reliant and productive youths through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training.
The graduation ceremony, held yesterday at the academy’s training complex at No 2 Uboh way off Abak road, Uyo, attracted government officials, industry partners, development organisations, parents, and community leaders.
In her welcome remarks, the Director of LDA, Prof. Comfort M. Ekpo, expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders who had supported the academy since inception.
She disclosed that within two years, the academy has successfully trained more than 200 young people across vocational fields and prepared over 40 for the Modular Trade Certificate Examination (MTCE), with a 100 per cent pass rate.
“We have put smiles on many faces by giving young people skills that translate into independence, dignity and service to their communities,” Prof. Ekpo said.
She highlighted the scope of training at the academy, which includes computer studies, fashion designing, food and nutrition, hairdressing, auto-mechanics, carpentry, welding and fabrication.
In addition, every trainee must undergo compulsory courses in English Communication, Industry Hospitality, MSME Accounting, and Computer Appreciation.
Prof. Ekpo, who is the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, said the academy had reached a critical point where expanded support was needed to reach more young people.
“We appeal to government, development partners, philanthropists, and corporate organisations to support us with equipment, training materials, scholarships and funding. Every contribution makes a tangible difference in the lives of young people. Our goal is to expand and train more youths for the future of work,” she said.
Delivering the convocation lecture, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, commended Prof. Ekpo for her consistency in promoting practical skills training, recalling that as Vice Chancellor she introduced entrepreneurship education for all students of the University of Uyo.
“She is a role model worthy of emulation,” Umoh said, urging graduates to embrace resilience and proudly brand their products as Made in Akwa Ibom. “Do not hide behind foreign tags. The world is waiting for your creativity; wear it with pride.”
Speaking on graduate monitoring, Dr. Maria, Dean of Students at LDA, said the academy follows up with its graduates to ensure their sustainability in business.
“Some of our alumni are now established entrepreneurs. One is paying her university fees through hairdressing, another has set up a thriving business in food and nutrition, while several others are employed in industries,” she said.
She explained that the most popular choices among trainees are fashion designing, food and nutrition, but emphasised that all students must also acquire computer literacy skills due to the demands of the digital era.
The graduation also witnessed goodwill messages from partner organisations. Dr. Andy Eyo, CEO of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), commended the academy for “empowering lives” and pledged continuous support.
The Street Mentors Network (SMN) described LDA as “a beacon of hope” and celebrated their joint collaboration on the Empower Girls Now project, which enabled dozens of young women to access discounted vocational training.
Other partners specially recognised included the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the University of Uyo, the Federal Ministry of Education/World Bank through the Innovation Development in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) project, and Save Child Africa (SCA).
For Mr. Savior Ernest Ben from Nsit Ubium, an ECEWS scholarship made it possible to train as a plumber. “My journey has been spectacularly awesome. From tense beginnings, I discovered a passion during practicals. Today, I have a skill that will change my life forever. I thank ECEWS and LDA for this chance,” he told newsmen at the exhibition ground.
Other graduates showcased works in welding, tailoring, catering, auto-mechanics, and ICT, with parents and community leaders encouraged to patronise the products as a way of supporting the young entrepreneurs.
The Class of 2022–2025 under Fashion Design: Precious Ita Edem, Idara John Edem, Blessing Okon Ime, Edet Offiong Ezekiel, Anietie S. Etim; Under Iron Work & Plumbing were: John Success Ogbor, Saviour Ernest Ben, Kingsley E. Okokon; And Food & Nutrition: Ransom Mbohoisok, Blessing Jonah, Unwana Asuquo, Habila Sarah, Mary E. Asuquo; Auto-mechanics includes: William Noah and Computer Studies graduate Mbereobong N.
As the graduates step out into the labour market, Prof. Ekpo congratulated them for their resilience and charged them to use their new skills as tools of independence and service to society.
“Skills are power. They give you dignity, respect, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society. Go and make Akwa Ibom proud,” she said.
The Academy reaffirmed its determination to expand training opportunities across the state and beyond, pledging to continue producing innovative, skilled, and self-reliant young people.