The Enugu State Government has partnered with Korea Lift College to provide young Nigerians with advanced training in elevator engineering technology.
The partnership was announced on Thursday during the “2025 National Unveiling of the Korea Lift College Scholarship Programme” held in Enugu.
The scholarship initiative, introduced by SDG Youth International, a Korea-based organisation focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is supported by the Enugu State Government and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Speaking at the unveiling, the Africa Representative of SDG Youth International, Mr. Ifeanyi Uzoh, revealed that the scholarship is open to students from Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, with 150 slots available in the first batch.
“This scholarship provides African students the opportunity to study elevator engineering in Korea, a cutting-edge field with increasing demand. We encourage Nigerian youths to seize this opportunity,” Uzoh stated.
He added that six higher institutions have been selected across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, serving as the pilot institution. The remaining institutions will be announced later.
Uzoh explained that Enugu State was given priority consideration due to Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to education and youth development.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs, Mrs. Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma, described the initiative as a significant step towards providing global learning opportunities and high-quality education for Nigerian youths.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Student Affairs, Comrade Prisca Okeke, she noted, “This programme goes beyond academics; it fosters innovation, cultural exchange, and career advancement.”
The Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, also highlighted the importance of technical education. Represented by Dr. Ngozi Okelekwe, he emphasised that the NBTE is committed to ensuring Nigerian institutions provide practical, industry-relevant skills.
“This initiative aligns with our mission to promote technical and vocational education by equipping students with real-world skills,” Bugaje stated.
The Chairman of the Enugu House Committee on Education, Science, and Technology, Mr. Osita Eze, noted that the scholarship supports Governor Mbah’s experiential learning agenda and the development of smart schools in the state.
“The college is providing the scholarships, while the state government is creating an enabling environment. This partnership is a model for educational advancement in Nigeria,” he said.
