THE Federal Government, yesterday, unfolded plans to hand over the 7.5 mega watts (MW) solar panel manufacturing plant in Abuja to the private sector.The factory, being established by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in Karshi Abuja, aims to check the importation of solar panels by producing them locally.Speaking when the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, visited him in Abuja, the Director-General of NASENI, Professor Olusegun Adewoye, stressed that when fully established, Nigeria would reduce its dependency on importation of solar panels.Noting that the plant had been tested and ready for commissioning, Adewoye said: 'Government has invested in building the solar panel plant, but because it can raise it own money from the market we will like the concession of the supply of raw materials and the evacuation of the finished products to a private sector.'That plant is designed for 7.5MW. If we concession 6MW, they will bring in their raw materials and evacuate the solar panel to wherever they want. Then, government would not need to bring in any more money to that plant'.On his part, Ihedioha called for the revival of the vocational schools across the country to fast-track the development of the economy.Lamenting the dearth of trade and vocational schools, he stressed the place of such institutions in the development of a highly populated country like Nigeria.He said: 'Trade or vocational school is the missing link in our technology development because they are the bedrock of development. I will support any process via appropriation and any other form of legislation that will enhance technical education, because technical education is the only thing that can catapult Nigeria's economy.'The level of joblessness in our society is appalling, a number of graduates cannot get job or find something doing because they have lost confidence in themselves and I believe that if you have skill that are basic the high could be your limit', he stated.He lamented the poor funding to the science and technology sector, he promised to work with his colleagues at the National Assembly to see how that can change.The lawmaker said he was in the agency to appreciate the good efforts of the organisation, especially in the area of energy and other scientific development, saying he would see how he can use his good office to enhance the development of science and technology in the country.'I have come to appreciate the good efforts that NASENI is doing and how my good office can be of use to them. I am also interested in how I can use my position as a lawmaker to promote the growth of the sector.'This agency is known for the development of infrastructural engineering. Nigeria will be a success story with agencies like NASENI being well funded. I have come to identify with you and appreciate what you are doing.
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