Dangote Cement Plc has introduced an innovative Internship Scheme designed for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. This initiative offers a fully-funded, one-year internship, providing hands-on experience in real-world engineering environments, reinforcing the company’s commitment to nurturing future talent.
Tunde Mabogunje, the Lagos Regional Sales Director of Dangote Cement, announced the program during the induction ceremony for the first group of students from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. He highlighted that this scheme is part of Dangote Cement’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. It aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application by giving students in higher education the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life situations, particularly in the field of engineering.
“This phase of the program is starting in Lagos and Kano States, with 20 students—10 from each state—being selected for the internship,” Mabogunje stated. “We requested lists of top-performing students in Building Studies from Yaba College of Technology and Kano Polytechnic. These students will receive training on the correct application of cement, specifically Dangote Cement, in line with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) guidelines. They will be placed on various construction sites, with our technical officers supervising their progress.”
Mabogunje emphasized that this initiative reflects Dangote Cement’s belief in the importance of vocational and technical skills to the success of any sector, particularly the building industry. “The lack of these skills has negatively impacted the building sector, and this internship is a crucial step toward addressing that gap. As these students gain practical experience, they will be well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the industry.”
He further noted that Dangote Group is dedicated to providing vocational training to young Nigerians, equipping them with essential skills. The company has a track record of recruiting and training graduates from engineering and technology programs, who are then deployed to various Dangote plants across the country. This includes their cement plants in Obajana, Ibese, and Gboko, as well as their sugar and salt refineries in Apapa and Ikeja.
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“We have also sent graduates of engineering courses abroad for training, who are now running our new oil refinery and fertilizer plants. These professionals are now passing on their knowledge to new engineers through skill transfer programs,” Mabogunje added.
Dr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, expressed his gratitude to Dangote Cement for initiating this landmark CSR project. He praised the selection of Yaba College as one of the pioneering institutions for the scheme and assured that the participating students would meet and exceed expectations.
“This program will significantly enhance the practical skills of our students, preparing them to step into the professional world with confidence,” Dr. Abdul said. He also mentioned that Yaba College has ongoing partnerships with various organizations aimed at advancing student skills and announced plans to establish an Industry Advisory Committee, with an invitation extended to Dangote Cement for representation.
Funmi Sani, the National Sales Director of Dangote Cement, also spoke at the induction, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality in both academic and practical training. He encouraged the students to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that they will receive stipends throughout their internship.
This internship program is a testament to Dangote Cement’s dedication to fostering the next generation of engineers, ensuring that they are well-equipped to make substantial contributions to Nigeria’s construction industry.
