The Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) has graduated 568 youths across its nine schools and departments in the third cohort of its skills acquisition programme.
Another 206 trainees are expected to graduate in the next batch, bringing the centre’s current intake to 774 youths.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the main arena of the centre in Ikot Ada Idem, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, the Visitor to the institution and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, described DASAC as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, enterprise development, and wealth creation.
She said skills acquisition remains central to tackling insecurity and promoting peace, adding that Akwa Ibom is positioning itself as a hub for youth enterprise through DASAC, the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre, and the Youth Development Centres currently under construction across the state’s 31 local government areas.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that under the ARISE Tech Talent Accelerator Programme, which commenced in Oron two days ago, the state aims to equip 1.5 million youths with globally relevant digital skills over the next five years, targeting 1,000 youths annually in each local government area.
Dr. Eyakenyi charged the new graduates to deploy the skills they had acquired towards achieving economic prosperity.
She noted that the 51 graduates from the School of Agriculture would form the nucleus of the state’s agricultural revolution, while the 245 graduates from the School of Hospitality and Lifestyle Management would be absorbed into facilities such as the ARISE International Convention Centre, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, ARISE Palm Resort, and the ARISE Shopping City.
Other graduates were drawn from the Schools of Civil and Building Technology, Electrical and Electronics Technology, Automobile Technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Metal Technology, and Wood Technology.
She urged the graduates to combine their technical skills with hard work, honesty, and diligence, noting that the exhibition of their projects validated the state government’s investment in the centre.
The Deputy Governor also commended the Rector, Prof. Enoidem Usoro, the DASAC management team, the University of Lagos, and local government chairmen for their support toward the success of the programme.
“Today marks the beginning of your journey to economic prosperity,” she told the graduates. “With the training you have acquired, you can rewrite the story of your families and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of our state.”
Earlier, the Rector of DASAC, Prof. Enoidem Usoro, described human capital development as “the most valuable investment any society can make.”
She commended Governor Umo Eno for expanding skills training opportunities for young people under the Human Capacity Development pillar of the ARISE Agenda.
Prof. Usoro urged more youths to apply online, announcing that registration for the fourth cohort would commence in July 2026.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Churchill Udoh, commended the governor for his sustained investment in the growth of the academy and for preserving its vision as one of the country’s leading talent incubation hubs.
