Enugu State Polytechnic (ESPOLY), Iwollo, has hosted the first in a series of open day and closing ceremonies across seven schools participating in the WATEA Project.
The WATEA Project, supported by the French Government through the French Embassy in Nigeria and implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has equipped more than 3,000 students with practical skills in agribusiness and agricultural technical education over the past two years. A majority of the trainees were young women.
Representing the donor, Dr. Sonia Darracq, Regional Agricultural Counsellor at the French Embassy, praised the school’s leadership and the students’ progress.
She described the project’s implementation across six Nigerian states as a remarkable success and applauded the role played by SME partners who provided mentorship during the apprenticeship phase.
Dr. Darracq stated, “This isn’t an end, but a transition into careers and ventures that will shape Nigeria’s food security.”
The IITA, as implementing partner, was represented by Ms. Omolara Sokera, Administrative and Finance Officer for the WATEA Project.
She commended the growth recorded in the students and urged them to build on the experience they had gained.
The event brought together stakeholders from government, agribusiness, and the wider community.
It featured an exhibition where students displayed innovations in apiculture, poultry, and greenhouse farming.
The WATEA Project has focused on strengthening agricultural technical education by linking students with mentorship and practical experiences that support career paths in farming and agribusiness.
Through its efforts, it aims to address food security challenges by building a skilled, youthful workforce ready to contribute to the agricultural sector.
