Potter 7 Limited, in partnership with the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project and with support from the World Bank, has graduated 100 masons in Plateau State following the successful completion of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Level 2 training.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC) Bukuru in Jos South Local Government Area, also featured the presentation of starter packs to the beneficiaries to support entrepreneurship and self-employment. The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, education stakeholders and professionals from the construction sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of Potter 7 Limited, Bldr. Lawrence Gabriel Manggei, described the occasion as a celebration of skills, hard work and dedication. He thanked the IDEAS Project and the World Bank for their commitment to youth empowerment and skills development.

Manggei urged the graduates to make responsible use of their starter packs, stressing that the tools symbolize trust and opportunity. He encouraged them to uphold professionalism, integrity and continuous learning in their practice.

Representing the IDEAS Project Coordinator, Mr. Blessing Ogwu, Prince Iheanacho said the programme celebrates the dignity of labour, resilience and practical skills. He commended the participation of young women in the training, noting its importance in a male-dominated sector.

He disclosed that since its full launch in 2022, the IDEAS Project has renovated and equipped 38 technical colleges nationwide with over 100 modern workshops, while also training technical teachers and master craft persons. According to him, the project was restructured in 2023 to focus on market-relevant, self-reliance-driven skills, with the Plateau beneficiaries forming part of a pilot phase that has trained over 1,000 youths nationwide.

While presenting certificates and starter packs, former Plateau State Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Bldr. Adedeji Paul Adeleye, advised the graduates to value competence above certificates. He urged them to maintain professionalism and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Yusuf Gyang expressed gratitude to Potter 7 Limited and the IDEAS Project for the quality and practical nature of the training. Another graduate, Naomi Magaji, described the programme as empowering and expressed excitement at the opportunity provided.

In their separate remarks, the Gwom Rwei Kuru of Jos South, Da Pius Jugu, former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Fom Dalyop Gwottson, and other dignitaries urged the graduates to apply their skills responsibly and positively impact their communities.

Also speaking, representatives from the Ministry of Education, the TVET Department, the Jos South Legislative Arm and GSTC Bukuru commended the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to quality skills development, youth empowerment and economic growth.

The ceremony marked another milestone in Plateau State’s vocational and technical education drive, reinforcing the role of skilled artisans in improving construction standards and driving socio-economic development.