In order to give credence to the Government’s resolve at filling the technical gap for middle manpower, which is the underscore for the launch of the National Power Sector Apprenticeship Scheme (NAPSAS) on Thursday, November 6, 2014, the Permanent Secretary (Power), Amb. Godknows Igali today commissioned the Head office at Mabushi, Abuja.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, Igali said that the office will be used to co-ordinate all activities of the scheme across the country, because the sector cannot afford to derail Mr. President’s vision of building critical capacity in terms of middle level manpower necessary for the attainment of the nation’s quest for stable and safe electricity supply.
Going down the memory lane, the Permanent Secretary observed that NAPSAS is a child of necessity, aimed at correcting the grave mistakes of the past, he said on the eve of privatization, many felt there was no need to engage new hands, so for 16 – 20 years, there was embargo on employment of technical personnel in the power sector.
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So, the coming of NAPSAS, he said, will add value to the electricity sector through capacity building for artisans, pole climbers, switch gear operators, electrical fitters, Sub-station operators, indeed low and middle level technical staff.
He expressed optimism in the future of the scheme, insisting that knowledge, innovation and technology which are features of the sector would be enhanced through training and retraining, which NAPSAS will help fill that manpower gap.
Speaking on behalf of other Consultants, the Lead Consultant, Sybil Williamson assured the PS that the Ministry will continue to be the Mother of NAPSAS, just as she said no stone will be left unturned in the achievement of Mr. President’s vision for the scheme.
She said that the NAPSAS facility will serve multiple purposes like co-ordination, monitoring and evaluation activities in addition to providing office accommodation for the Lead Consultant and the six other Zonal Consultants, it will also serve as a clearing house for the trainees during and after their internship.
Timothy Oyedeji
Deputy Director (Press)
