By Cynthia Talatu Batutu
In a bold move aimed at tackling unemployment and accelerating Nigeria’s industrial growth, Zeberced Group has unveiled plans to establish a world-class Technical and Vocational Training School expected to train 20,000 Nigerians and generate no fewer than 40,000 direct jobs.
The company also announced plans to establish a FIFA-approved football academy that will identify, nurture and develop talented children and young people for professional careers in football at both national and international levels.
The ambitious initiatives were unveiled by the Managing Director of Zeberced Group, Mr. Adil Aydin Kurt, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, to the company’s facilities at the Abuja Industrial Park Free Zone.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Kurt described the proposed vocational institution as one of the largest skills development projects in West Africa, revealing that the school is designed to admit about 2,000 trainees annually, with a long-term target of producing 20,000 highly skilled graduates equipped for employment, entrepreneurship and industrial innovation.
According to him, the project will serve as a catalyst for economic transformation by creating approximately 40,000 direct employment opportunities while strengthening Nigeria’s technical workforce.
“Zeberced is currently working on a vocational training school which will offer training in various fields to young Nigerians and, in the process, provide 40,000 direct jobs. This is going to be a sample project and is presently the biggest operation of its kind in West Africa,” he said.
The institution will offer specialised programmes in Construction Technology, Machine and Design Technology, Motor Vehicle Technology, Plumbing Technology, Metal Technology, Furniture Technology, and Electrical and Electronics Technology, providing practical industry-driven training that aligns with global standards.
Mr. Kurt reaffirmed the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential, stressing that Zeberced remains committed to long-term investments that promote industrialisation, technology transfer, human capital development and sustainable economic growth.
“We are very serious about our work. I have many ideas and visions to share. We need to bring qualified people from different parts of the world to Nigeria because the future is Africa,” he stated.
Beyond technical education, the Managing Director disclosed that the planned FIFA-approved football academy would provide a structured platform for discovering and grooming young football talents capable of competing on the global stage.
He further highlighted the company’s expanding investment portfolio, revealing that Zeberced operates what it described as Africa’s first integrated mining quarry while continuing to invest heavily in manufacturing, construction and industrial infrastructure across Nigeria.
Mr. Kurt also disclosed plans to facilitate the establishment of hundreds of factories within the Idu Industrial Area as part of efforts to boost local production, reduce dependence on imported goods and create more employment opportunities for Nigerians.
He explained that although the industrial development project commenced about 15 years ago and encountered several challenges, the company has remained steadfast in pursuing its vision through sustained investment and innovation.
According to him, Zeberced’s growing investments in furniture manufacturing, plastics production and other industrial ventures, supported by modern technology and infrastructure, are expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
Responding, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, commended Zeberced Group for its commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition and national development.
She described the proposed vocational institution and industrial expansion programme as timely interventions capable of addressing unemployment, promoting self-reliance and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
Comrade Ike also briefed the company’s management on the ongoing construction of the NUJ FCT Council’s ultra-modern Congress Hall, noting that the project has reached the decking stage.
She appealed for Zeberced Group’s support towards the completion of the facility, explaining that the Congress Hall would serve as a permanent venue for congresses, professional development programmes, workshops and other official activities of the Council.
In his response, Mr. Kurt expressed the company’s readiness to partner with the NUJ FCT Council on the project, reaffirming Zeberced’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen institutions and advance national development.
The visit ended with both organisations expressing optimism about building a strategic partnership focused on industrial growth, youth development, professional capacity building and sustainable socio-economic progress.
Operating in Nigeria since 2007, Zeberced Group has continued to expand its footprint through strategic investments in manufacturing, construction, industrial infrastructure and human capital development, positioning itself as a key player in the country’s industrial transformation.