Karim- strengthen ties with Nigeria

August 01, 2012:  

Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Fazal Karim assured Trinidad and Tobago’s continued support in training Nigerian students at the National Energy Skills Centre, (NESC) and even lobbied for an NESC to be opened in Nigeria.

Speaking at NESC’s headquarters in Couva, during the visit of Nigerian President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Karim said this will lead to the creation of Trinigeria” — the bond of Trinidad and Tobago and Nigeria- where NESC would be able to export the talent and skills of the energy sector to Nigeria.

Jonathan was greeted in his native language by 70 Nigerian trainees who are currently enrolled at the NESC. Fifty-seven students graduated from the institution last week.
"About a week ago I was privileged to present certificates to 57 Nigerian trainees who graduated from NESC in automotive maintenance. I am determined to expand our relationship in technical and vocational educational training,” Karim noted.

The trainees comprised the first batch of trainees since the signing of a training agreement between QESS Services Limited of Nigeria and NESC in December, 2011.  The training will see Nigerian nationals pursuing studies in areas such as heavy equipment operations, crane operations, metal arc welding and industrial mechanical maintenance.

Jonathan also gave his commitment to further strengthen the bilateral ties between Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago and welcomed all programmes by the Ministry which sought to make advancements of nationals  and see both countries advance even further in standards in the 'global village they both co-exists in".