The Anambra State Commissioner For Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has lauded the Agulu Peoples Union (APU) for its foresight in establishing the APU Vocation Academy, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.
Prof Chuma-Udeh gave the commendation at the official opening and first matriculation ceremony of the academy held at Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area.
She described the investment in education and other aspects of the future of society as laudable and a demonstration of a community interested in the progress of the community.
The Commissioner who noted that many youths are in dilemma, not knowing their right from their left, said with the Academy, the community is giving self-sustenance and reliance as the best gift to its youths.
Addressing the community, the Commissioner said, “Your projection and interest in the future of the youth are manifest with this school. The acquisition of skill is important in human life; once acquired, it stays with one throughout life, unlike a corporate job that one retires from at a certain age.
“Agulu people have always been known as hardworking people and their proficiency in skill acquisition is also well-known. That’s why I’m not surprised that they embarked on such a venture.”
Assuring the community of support by the present administration to the Academy to make it an enabling institute for students, the Commissioner promised to solicit future collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sport as it aligned with Governor Soludo’s one-youth, two-skill initiative.
The President General of Agulu Peoples Union, Chief Oliver Afamefuna revealed that the establishment of the Academy was borne out of passion to take the youths off the street and eliminate social vices such as drug abuse, and thuggery and actively engage them in profitable venture via the acquisition of skills in diverse trades.
Earlier, the Director of APU Vocation Academy, Dr. Emmanuel Duezeh explained that the Academy is not limited to Agulu Indigenes alone but is open to all who are interested in acquiring a skill or two.
He said currently, the Academy is offering 11 courses including bag making, footwear, nylon making, and electrical works amongst others.
Highlight of the event was a tour of the facility and inspection of some of the Academy’s products by Chuma-Udeh and her entourage which included Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, Director of Technical Vocational Education, Lady Ngozi Enemuo and Mr. Nnaemeka Egwuonwu, Public Relations Officer.
