Abdurrahman Sufyan Yahaya is a beneficiary of the Nigeria Content Human Capital Development (NC-HCD) programme, which is an initiative of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). He studied Petroleum Geoscience at the International University of Africa, located in Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan. In this interview with Valuechain Reporters Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor and Moses Patience Chat, he shared the experience of his journey with the NCDMB educational support scheme. Excerpts:
We have heard that you benefited from an NCDMB capacity-building programme; so, which one was that?
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has a programme called Nigeria Content Human Capital Development (NC-HCD), a program which aims to improve quality and enhance the knowledge, skills, ability and attitude of young Nigerians to enable them perform their roles effectively and efficiently. This is a programme that essentially focuses on the oil and gas industry and allied sectors.
How did you hear about the programme?
I heard about the programme through a career guidance conference organized by Bayero University, Kano (BUK). The conference had invited prominent oil and gas players to speak on career opportunities for B.Sc. graduates. It was an informative and inspiring session that introduced me to this programme and its potential benefits.
Are there processes to follow to get into the programme?
Yes, there is a process to follow in order to get into the programme. First, you need to go to the programme’s portal and create an account through the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS) at www.nogicjqs.gov.ng.
This account will give the Board access to documents uploaded and, once you have submitted your documents, the Board will review your qualifications for the (NC-HCD) training programme. The nomination process is based on the qualifications required for the training program.
My own was named NC-HCD training for Amni Tubu Wellhead. After the selection, you will be called for the written test and oral interview. During our own time, we wrote on paper but the written test shall either be a CBT or non-CBT, as may be determined by the Board.
Where did the program take place and how long did it last?
The classroom and practical training took place in Homik Oil and Gas Training Facility, Lekki, Lagos and Energy Training Center (ETC) Egbin Power Plant Ikurodu, Lagos, where we acquired both the technical and soft skill certifications. The duration for the project NC-HCD NJQS is 12 months.
What exactly have you benefited from the programme?
I have benefited a lot from this programme and the international certificates that will come with it. However, paying for these certificates would have been a big challenge for me. With these certificates and knowledge, I can compete in highly competitive jobs, both locally and internationally.”
What do you plan to do with all the knowledge and training you have got?
I have gained a lot of knowledge which has enhanced my career in the oil and gas industry to the extent of applying to roles with a resume that will showcase my technical competencies and experiences. And even beyond that, entrepreneurship is a very essential skill learnt through the programme that will help in creating a successful business
What do you have to say to other youths out there?
My advice to the youth out there is the one that the NCDMB Boss, Engr. Simbi Wabote, encouraged me with. He asked the young ones to see every challenge or problem as an opportunity to wear the entrepreneurship cap to help humankind in our own little way.
Also, while solving the problems, my advice to the youth out there is not something new; it is what I have personally applied. First of all, put God first in whatever you are doing and you will never regret it. Pray to God. According to the Science of Successful Learning, a book by Peter Brown and Henry, consistency is the key in achieving academic success.
Also, seek help from teachers and mentors when encountering difficulties. Mrs. Angela Duckworth mentioned in her book, The Power of Passion and Perseverance, that you should always set a goal and strive to improve your skills and knowledge. Keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the task may seem. Then, Sean Covey, in Effective Teens, gives advice to the youth, saying that you should make a commitment to yourself to always put your best effort into everything you do; stay focused on your goals, and don’t give up when faced with challenges. Show up on time, meet deadlines, and be accountable for your actions. Last but not the least, Denzel Washington once said that ease is the greatest threat to progress than hardship.
What are your words to the Management of NCDMB?
I would like to use this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board and its Management for such a massive opportunity. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow within my field. I will also like to assure the Board of making good use of this immense training to come out with excellent results in the nearest future.
Then, I would also like to show my deep appreciation again to NCDMB for rolling out such a great initiative to pave the way for the youth in this country to get employed, especially in their main disciplines after college. Thumbs up to Engr Simbi Kasiye Wabote for masterminding this amazing initiative. May you remain blessed, Sir.
The Human Capacity Department Programme of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board also deserves a special mention for the hugely vital role it is playing in training prospective employees and setting them on their way to getting employment. It is so laudable and I sincerely wish other government agencies could learn from them and come up with similar initiatives that could considerably reduce the unemployment rate in this country.