St. Michael’s Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo, in Njikoka Local Government Area, is set to expand its academic offerings with the introduction of technical training programmes aimed at equipping students with practical skills for the modern workforce.
Speaking in an interview with information officer, the School Manager/Principal, Rev. Fr. Dennis Nwabueze, said that plans are in top gear to introduce the programmes as part of the institution’s commitment to providing students with practical knowledge and skills for future careers.
Fr. Nwabueze explained that the move aligns with growing calls for education systems to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also technically proficient, noting that the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on experience, thereby preparing students for both higher education and immediate employment opportunities.
“Looking at the world today and where it is heading, you discover that many graduates have certificates but lack the practical skills needed to function effectively because their training is largely theory-based. In order to meet up with career readiness, we considered it necessary to incorporate technical programmes into the school,” he said.
According to the manager, the word “comprehensive” in the school’s name reflects its commitment to covering the four major aspects of education—science, humanities, business, and technical—emphasising a balanced combination of theory and practice.
He further explained that the curriculum has already been structured by the government through its technical department, adding that facilities, equipment, and infrastructure are currently being put in place. He noted that payments have been made for the installation of equipment, including those for robotics classes.
“We have structured the programme into two categories: the primary section, covering classes one to three into JSS1, and classes four to six into JSS2, so that at each stage, students have specific skills to acquire.
“The process is ongoing as we gradually get ready. We have installed more than 150 computers for various purposes, including over 30 systems dedicated to graphics design, as well as facilities for computer-based tests (CBT), coding, and other tasks,” he added.
Fr. Nwabueze listed some of the technical areas to include programming, coding, networking, solar PV installation, GSM and hardware repairs, technical drawing, building, welding and fabrication, as well as carpentry.
He expressed optimism that students would embrace the opportunity to develop themselves, noting that the skills acquired could enable them to support themselves financially, even through higher education.
“We believe that by the time they complete their secondary education, they will be able to sponsor themselves in the university through income generated from the skills they have acquired,” he said.
He added that the facility is expected to be inaugurated in September by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor.
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