The Ekiti State Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education (AANFE) under the the State Ministry of Education in conjunction with National Commission for Mass Education (NMEC), has certified no fewer than 152 graduands in various trades and basic literacy classes from the Igede and Iyin Vocational and Adult Literacy Centres respectively.

Speaking at the Graduation Ceremony, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, Mr Mike Omolayo said that Human Capital Development which is one of the six pillars of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has continuously ensured that the education sector is holistically transformed in its teaching and learning processes in both formal and Non-formal Education.

Aderiye stated that one of the solutions to break free from poverty is to have marketable and lucrative skills, that will make one useful, productive and a force to reckon with in the society.

The Education Commissioner charged the graduands to add digital skills to what they have acquired, using technology to boost their relevance in their chosen profession.

Earlier in her address, the Executive Secretary, Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education (AANFE), Mrs Modupe Falade commended the collaborative efforts and contributions of NGOs in Araromi LCDA, towards the development of individuals in literacy and vocational skills such as fashion designing, hair dressing, make-up, bag making, soap making, computer, etc, which will enhance their economic sustenance.

Falade encouraged all out-of-school youths and illiterates in the communities to seize the opportunity that the centres provide, to acquire formal or non formal education.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Vocational Education, Reverend Felix Atoki stated that the State Government statutorily established the Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education (AANFE) to eradicate illiteracy through functional education, thereby giving opportunities to out-of-school youths and adults who desire to participate actively in trade and economic entrepreneurial skills for gainful ventures.

He charged graduands to use the knowledge acquired to creatively improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic advancement of the State and the country at large.

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In his address, the administrator of Iyin Community Vocational Centre, Chief Odolofin Olufemi Ajayi said that objective of the Vocational Centre is to provide artisan skills to young school leavers who could have otherwise been roaming the streets without any form of employment,thereby causing security risks in the community.

He solicited for the empowerment of graduands to encourage more participation in the vocational centre.

In their separate remarks, graduands from the Vocational Centres, Mrs Idowu Agbebunmi and Zainab Dairo, expressed their gratitude to the Government and facilitators for the opportunity to access formal and Non-formal education, promising to make the State proud.