By Emma Okonji
Samsung Electronics, through its Engineering Academy, has graduated 67 students in Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Technical Training from three Technical Schools in Lagos State.
The programme, which lasted for 21 months was organised in partnership with Lagos State Eko Project, designed to assist students in technical schools across the state to become qualified technicians in their chosen technical fields.
The 67 students, who graduated from the academy, were honoured last week, and the best students in various fields, were recognised. The Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. ChangWook Lee, said at the graduating ceremony that one of major goals of the company was to positively impact the lives of the youth.
“Today, your perseverance doesn’t go unnoticed. Today is a milestone for you as you carve your next steps. As a company, we don’t just think of ourselves as a technology company. One of our main goals is to positively impact the lives of those at the core of our society- the youth.”
“Core to Samsung’s vision is to fast track the entry of Nigerian youth into the electronics job market. This aligns with the government’s vision which encourages entrepreneurship and youth employment initiatives.
The Engineering Academy will continue to play a critical role in developing the technical skills needed to support Samsung’s innovation, which features flagship products designed for optimal use in Africa,” Lee said.
He encourage the graduating students to think about the future and develop big ideas that will make them better citizens that will contribute to the development of the country.
According to him, “Today is the first time we will be graduating students admitted into the Academy from three Government Technical Schools in Lagos, situated in Ikorodu, Ikotun and Agidingbi, the host school. It gives me great pleasure to see you graduate from Samsung Engineering Academy as Technicians in your chosen field but the joy will be immeasurable when I see you start a business of your own.
The students were trained in three product categories: Audio Visuals, Home Appliance and IT & Mobile.
On completion of the training, they are expected to do six months internship with Samsung Accredited Service Centres. On completion of internship, they are either retained as employees, seek employment in other companies, become self employed or gain admission into polytechnics for further studies”, Lee said.
Out of the 67 students, four were rewarded for their outstanding performances during the period the training lasted. They were presented with gifts that ranged from 41 inches Samsung smart TV, refrigerators, to microwave oven machines. While the overall best student, Jaiyeola Kareem was given refrigerator and 41 inches Samsung smart TV, the Gold medalist, Ndukwe Chukwu, went home with a refrigerator, the Silver medalist, Adesunloye David got microwave oven machine with drinks. The bronze medalist, Blare Christians was given microwave oven machine.
In his remarks, the overall best graduating student, Jaiyeola Kareem lauded the Samsung’s initiative, which he said gave them the opportunity to become trained engineers. He also appreciated the state government for giving them enabling environment to acquire technical knowledge.
