By Ọmọsọla Olumide
OTA, Ogun State — EOTWILLIAM Skills and Enterprise Academy (ESEA) has announced plans to pursue polytechnic status and expand its technical and vocational education programmes, as the Olota of Otta, His Royal Majesty, Oba Professor Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, urged youths to embrace skills acquisition as a pathway to self-reliance, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
The announcement was made on Saturday, October 10, during the academy’s 2026 Open Day at its campus at 7 Babarere, behind Lucia Filling Station, Igbala, Ota, Ogun State.
The event featured facility tours, practical demonstrations and interactions with instructors and learners, allowing guests to assess the institution’s training methods and development plans.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of EOTWILLIAM, Pastor Peter Oluwatobi Ogundele, said the academy was committed to developing competent, innovative and entrepreneurial individuals capable of contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Operating under the slogan “Learn Skills, Launch Dreams,” the institution focuses on practical training, technical and vocational education, entrepreneurship and industry-relevant competencies.
It plans to expand its programmes and seek the necessary regulatory approvals to offer National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) courses in relevant fields as part of its ambition to become a recognised private polytechnic and college of innovation.
Olota Urges Youths to Embrace Skills Acquisition
The Olota of Otta and paramount traditional ruler of the Awori Kingdom, Oba Obalanlege, commended the academy’s initiative, describing practical skills development as an important avenue for youth empowerment and community development.
He said engaging young people in productive activities could help address idleness, reduce criminal tendencies and promote economic participation.
The monarch urged youths in Ota and neighbouring communities to acquire practical skills that would enable them to become self-employed, establish businesses and create employment opportunities for others.
He noted that, with many Nigerian graduates struggling to secure paid employment, technical and vocational competencies could provide alternative routes to financial independence.
Drawing on his experience in the United Kingdom, the monarch highlighted the value of practical skills and encouraged young people to take advantage of training opportunities within their communities.
Academy Highlights Skills Development and Graduate Mentorship
ESEA said persistent youth unemployment, underemployment and the gap between educational qualifications and labour-market demands had reinforced the need for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
According to the academy, practical education equips learners with marketable competencies for employment, self-employment and business development while improving their readiness for industry demands.
The institution called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private-sector organisations, educational institutions, development partners and local communities to expand access to quality training and sustainable economic opportunities.
It also emphasised the importance of industry partnerships in keeping its programmes relevant and creating pathways from training to employment and entrepreneurship.
During the Open Day, the academy presented its mission, vision, objectives and core values. It said its mission was to deliver high-standard skills training, while its long-term vision was to become a leading skills development institution in Africa.
The academy also announced a proposed one-year free mentorship programme for graduates to support their transition into employment, entrepreneurship and professional development.
It highlighted training and certification standards associated with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). However, prospective learners were advised to verify the approval, accreditation and certification status of specific programmes with the relevant authorities.
The academy identified its guiding principles as Certificate, Competence, Character and Consistency, stressing the importance of recognised qualifications, technical proficiency, integrity, discipline and quality performance.
Dignitaries, Industry Leaders Attend Open Day
The event attracted traditional rulers, government officials, religious leaders, education stakeholders, industry representatives, community leaders and prospective learners.
Among those present were the Olota of Otta, Oba Professor Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege; the Baale of Ishaka-Otta Community, High Chief Oluwarotimi Hammed Akintola; and the Baale of Ipamesan-Oke, Erinko-Otta, Prince Komolafe Jamiu Olatunji.
Other traditional and community leaders included High Chief Owolabi George, Bale of Egan, and Chief Akindele Fatai.
Government representatives included the Councillor representing Sango Ward 2, Honourable Joel Okeodebija, and Honourable George Okeodebiija.
Also in attendance were Adewale Akomolafe, Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre for Community Development at Ogun State Institute of Technical Schools, Igbesa; Prince Olatunde Olawoye, Director of Goldmark and Golden Heritage; and Adeola Adeleye and Mr Adeniji Saliu.
Religious leaders and representatives included Reverend Ayodele Ezekiel, General Overseer of Altar of Grace International Church Inc.; Reverend Ayodele Ogundele, described as the Father of EOTWILLIAM; Mrs Florence Esekiel; Enitan Adekunle Quadri; Deaconess Grace Rachael Paul; and Reverend Odediran.
Representatives of the International Network of Christians in Business, including Miranba Tella, also attended the programme.
Other notable participants included Dr King, Director of Lagos Angel Network, and Mrs Toluwani Ogundele, Associate Director of EOTWILLIAM Education Group.
The academy’s management and team were also represented, including Media Manager Abimbola Odusanya and members of its UK, Lagos, Ogun State and Abuja teams.
Members of the academy’s Board of Directors, government representatives, industry leaders, education and development partners, community leaders, prospective learners, parents, staff, instructors and students were also present.
The gathering underscored the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, traditional institutions, government, religious organisations and the private sector in advancing skills development, youth empowerment and sustainable economic growth.
About EOTWILLIAM Skills and Enterprise Academy
EOTWILLIAM Skills and Enterprise Academy is a skills development and enterprise training institution located at 7 Babarere, behind Lucia Filling Station, Igbala, Ota, Ogun State.
Guided by the slogan “Learn Skills, Launch Dreams,” the academy focuses on practical learning, technical and vocational education, entrepreneurship and industry-relevant competencies.
Its long-term ambition is to become a leading skills development institution in Africa and pursue the necessary regulatory approvals to operate as a recognised private polytechnic and college of innovation.
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