In a historic event held on January 2, 2025, philanthropist and businessman Jonas Ifinta has unveiled a two-storey school complex at the All Saints International Technical College (ASITEC) in Awgbu to serve as a workshops for skills acquisition.
This landmark project, fully funded and donated by Ifinta, aims to bridge the gap between theory and problems solving in Nigeria’s education system.
Addressing the audience, Ifinta spoke passionately about the importance of equipping students with practical skills, noting that the absence of such training in Nigeria’s current curriculum has exacerbated unemployment.
He said, “I have always been fascinated by technical skills. The major issue with education in Nigeria is that the current curriculum doesn’t transfer practical skills. As a result, graduates often remain unemployed due to the absence of skills, while employers struggle to find skilled workers. By the grace of God, we have now dedicated this school complex, which will serve as the workshop hub for students to acquire practical skills and become useful to society on graduation.”
Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, who officiated the dedication ceremony, commended Ifinta for his vision, resilience, and generosity in completing the project despite the prevailing economic challenges, he described Ifinta as a true champion of development, whose legacy would be forever tied to the progress of technical education in Awgbu.
The Parish Priest of All Saints Catholic Church Awgbu, which oversees the school, assured guests that the institution would remain committed to its founding purpose and ideals.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Alloysius Okoye, applauded Ifinta’s remarkable contribution to the community and encouraged other Awgbu indigenes to emulate his example. To sustain the school’s growth, Okoye announced a personal donation of ₦1 million towards infrastructure and equipment.
Further donations included ₦5 million from Engr. Agodi Egwuonwu, designated to support teachers’ salaries for five years, and €3,000 from Reverend Father Innocent Nwafor, alongside €1,000 raised from his friends, to enhance teachers’ welfare.
The commissioning event was graced by notable dignitaries, including the President-General of the Awgbu Progress Union, Engr. Chris Okoyeudor, the Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo, Ernest Ezeajughi, representatives from the Ministry of Education, Emmanuel Akidi, members of the Diamond Club, and other community leaders.