The Enugu State Government has joined forces with Korea Lift College to provide specialised training for Nigerian youths in advanced elevator engineering.
The partnership was officially announced on Thursday during the “2025 National Unveiling of the Korea Lift College Scholarship Programme” in Enugu.
The initiative, introduced by SDG Youth International, aims to equip young Africans with modern skills in elevator technology.
SDG Youth International, headquartered in Korea, is dedicated to engaging youths in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The programme is backed by the Enugu State Government and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
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Speaking at the event, Mr. Ifeanyi Uzoh, Africa Representative of SDG Youth International, revealed that the scholarship will benefit students from Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, with an initial 150 slots available for the first batch.
“The scholarship is for African students to go to Korea study elevator engineering, which is a new technology,” Uzoh said.
“We are encouraging our people in Nigeria to take the advantage of this. The website is open for interested youths to participate.”
He further disclosed that six higher institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones had been selected for the programme, with the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu serving as the pilot institution.
He noted that Governor Peter Mbah’s keen interest in education and his decision to host the national unveiling played a role in the state’s automatic selection.
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Mrs. Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Mbah on SDGs, described the initiative as a major step in expanding global learning opportunities and empowering youths through world-class education.
“This is because Gov. Peter Mbah showed interest by hosting the National unveiling of this programme that made us give the state automatic consideration,” she said.
Akubuilo-Okpalanma, represented by Comrade Prisca Okeke, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Students Affairs, emphasised that the programme is more than just an academic pursuit, calling it “a gateway to innovation, cross-cultural exchange, and career advancement on a global scale.”
She commended Governor Mbah’s commitment to education and youth empowerment, highlighting how his administration continues to create opportunities for aspiring scholars.
“I encourage all stakeholders, students, parents, educators, and policymakers to seize this moment and collaborate towards building a future where quality education knows no borders,” she advised.
NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, represented by Dr. Ngozi Okelekwe, Director of NBTE’s South-East Zonal Office, said the college is partnering with NBTE to provide professional training in elevator design, installation, inspection, and maintenance.
“We are dedicated to promoting technical and vocational education by ensuring that our institutions are equipped to provide not only knowledge but practical skills that meet the demands of modern workforce,” Bugaje stated.
He also emphasised the significance of the Korean Lift College’s scholarship opportunities, noting that entry requirements include proficiency in the Korean language.
“I enjoined the beneficiaries to utilise this opportunity,” he added.
Mr. Osita Eze, Chairman of the Enugu State House Committee on Education, Science, and Technology, highlighted how the initiative aligns with Governor Mbah’s experiential learning programme, which includes the establishment of Smart Schools.
He further explained that while the college is offering the scholarships, the Enugu State Government will provide an enabling environment for the programme’s success.
“It is symbiotic relationship and it is happening first in Enugu State,” Eze said.
NAN
