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NASCO Group Hosts Landmark World Youth Skills Day 2025 Event in Jos, Championing AI and Digital Empowerment

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1 year ago

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n a vibrant celebration of innovation, empowerment, and future-readiness, NASCO Group hosted one of Nigeria’s most inspiring commemorations of World Youth Skills Day 2025 in Jos, Plateau State. Themed “Youth Empowerment through Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills,” the event brought together young people, tech innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and forward-thinking dialogue.

The gathering received widespread acclaim for its insightful discussions, hands-on learning experiences, and its bold vision for preparing Nigerian youth for the evolving world of work.

The event kicked off with a powerful welcome address by the Group General Manager of NASCO, who praised the energy and enthusiasm of the young participants. He emphasized the critical role of digital transformation in today’s rapidly changing world, noting that the event’s reach extended far beyond the venue, with a large virtual audience joining online.

“Technology has broken down barriers,” he remarked. “This isn’t just about today—it’s about preparing our youth for tomorrow.”

The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Plateau State. Drawing on insights from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey, he highlighted the urgency of digital skills development in the face of global automation, warning that up to 800 million jobs could be displaced by 2030.

However, he urged the youth not to fear the rise of AI, but to embrace it as a catalyst for innovation. “AI isn’t here to destroy—it’s here to redefine,” he said. He encouraged young people to dive into fields like data science, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and telemedicine, calling digital literacy the new global passport to success.

The event featured a dynamic panel discussion with leading voices in tech and youth development. Among them was Robert John, an AI technologist and advocate for embedded systems, who stressed the importance of exposure in unlocking potential.

“Sometimes the problem isn’t talent—it’s exposure,” he said. “Show someone a simple tool in the right context, and you open a world of possibilities.”

Job David Ayuba, CEO of Tomruk Ihub Multiverse, praised NASCO for organizing one of the most impactful World Youth Skills Day events in Nigeria. He noted that attendees were leaving the event with practical tools, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. “This is more than inspiration—it’s preparation for the future,” he said.

Ambassador Ponfa Miri, a tech consultant and social impact strategist, echoed the call for collaborative investment in youth and technology. “This event shows what’s possible when stakeholders come together. If replicated across Plateau and Nigeria, it could spark a digital revolution,” he said.

Participants were equally enthusiastic about the event’s impact. Coach Julius Owobu II, a child rights and women’s advocate, described it as a turning point. “I gained valuable insights on emotional intelligence, workplace culture, and strategic planning. NASCO is truly investing in the future,” he said.

Okwudili Goodness Oluebube, a cybersecurity corps member, shared a deeply personal story of inspiration. “Hearing about a 13-year-old coding on his phone reminded me that my limitations are temporary. I’m now more determined than ever to pursue ethical hacking,” she said. She also emphasized the importance of preserving human values in an AI-driven world.

The event went beyond speeches, offering a Q&A session, group discussions, and collaborative problem-solving activities. Attendees tackled real-world challenges and proposed tech-based solutions, fostering a spirit of innovation and teamwork.

The gathering also provided a rich networking platform, connecting young talents with mentors and industry leaders. Many participants expressed excitement at forming new partnerships and finding communities of like-minded innovators.

NASCO Group’s World Youth Skills Day 2025 celebration has set a new standard for youth engagement in Nigeria. Through meaningful conversations, skill-building, and strategic collaboration, the event made a compelling case: AI and digital skills are not just trends—they are tools for building a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future.

As the event concluded, one message was clear: The future belongs to those who are ready to shape it—and NASCO is helping Nigeria’s youth prepare.

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Business

Plateau Strengthens Technical Education, Prepares NITT Centre for September Take-Off

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4 days ago

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August 19, 2026

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The Plateau State Government has taken a major step towards expanding access to specialised transport education and practical technical training with the handover of facilities at the Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria.

The facilities, comprising part of the college’s Mechanical Workshop, five classrooms and a residential quarter, will serve as the NITT Learning Centre and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Centre, providing students, technicians and professionals with opportunities to acquire practical skills in modern transportation technology, CNG conversion and logistics.

The Plateau State Government was represented at the handover ceremony by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, who said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening technical education, skills development and the adoption of modern transportation technologies.

Jatau said the Mechanical Workshop would provide a practical environment for CNG conversion training, while the classrooms would support theoretical instruction, professional development and capacity-building programmes.

He added that the residential accommodation would improve the welfare of personnel and learners who would be associated with the centre.

The commissioner expressed confidence that NITT would make effective and sustainable use of the facilities to expand educational and technical opportunities for people in Plateau State.

“We are confident that NITT Zaria will make effective and sustainable use of these facilities for the benefit of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mrs Jummai Shekarau, described the handover as an investment in technical education, innovation and human capital development, rather than simply the provision of infrastructure.

She said the CNG Conversion Centre would provide young people with practical skills that could improve their employability and enable them to take advantage of opportunities emerging in the CNG value chain.

According to her, the centre would also encourage entrepreneurship and job creation while supporting the transition from petrol and diesel to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.

The Registrar of NITT, Zaria, Dr Maina Williams Tarfa, commended the Plateau State Government for providing facilities beyond what the institute had initially requested.

Tarfa said the intervention would enable NITT to establish a strong educational presence in Plateau State and bring specialised transport training closer to residents.

He expressed confidence that the centre would commence operations by September, providing training opportunities for local government technicians and other professionals across the state.

He explained that NITT would introduce programmes including Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma and Master’s programmes in Transport and Logistics, while deploying its technical experts to deliver quality training and practical services.

Tarfa said the centre would help bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical skills by giving learners direct exposure to modern transport technologies.

Dr Sani Barau, Special Adviser to the Director General/Chief Executive of NITT, said the handover marked the transition from planning to implementation after concerted efforts to secure and prepare the facilities.

Barau stressed the need for a clear and speedy activation plan to ensure that the centre becomes operational as soon as possible.

He said the initiative would involve local technical stakeholders, create investment opportunities and strengthen the skills base required for the development of Plateau State’s transport sector.

The officials subsequently toured the facilities to inspect the progress of rehabilitation works at the institution ahead of the planned commencement of operations in September.

The establishment of the NITT Learning Centre is expected to strengthen technical and vocational education in Plateau State, giving students, technicians and professionals access to practical training and advanced qualifications in transport, logistics and emerging vehicle technologies.

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Entertainment

Big Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026

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3 weeks ago

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August 3, 2026

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The University of Jos came alive with music, glamour and excitement as Afro Soul sensation Big Chinni delivered a captivating performance at the Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026 pageant, one of the institution’s most anticipated annual social events.

The event, held on the University of Jos campus, attracted hundreds of students, alumni and guests who gathered to witness the crowning of the institution’s new king and queen and to celebrate creativity, fashion and student excellence.

 

Big Chinni thrilled the audience with an energetic Afro Soul performance, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant stagecraft that kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout her set. Her performance added excitement to an evening dedicated to showcasing talent, confidence and youthful creativity.

The pageant, widely regarded as a flagship event on the university’s social calendar, featured dazzling fashion displays, entertainment performances and competitive segments leading to the emergence of the new Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026.

The event was powered by NASCO Cornflakes, one of Nigeria’s leading breakfast cereal brands, whose colourful branding featured prominently across the venue, including the red carpet and main stage. The company’s support underscored its commitment to promoting youth development, campus engagement and student-focused initiatives.

Organisers said the collaboration between NASCO Cornflakes and the pageant reflected a shared vision of celebrating excellence, talent and the vibrant lifestyle of young people.

With her memorable performance, Big Chinni further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in the Afro Soul music scene, leaving the audience entertained and making the 2026 edition of Mr & Miss UNIJOS one of the most talked-about campus events of the year.

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