The Czech Republic’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Tomáš Výprachtický, on Monday in Abuja, called for increased investment in young people to enhance their innovation and job creation skills.
He made the appeal during the inauguration of a 3D printing training and capacity-building program organized for Nigerian participants.
The program is part of a collaboration between the Czech-based company Prusa Technology and Nigerian non-profit Innov8 Hub, focusing on innovation and youth capacity building.
The training, organized by the Czech Embassy in Nigeria, Innov8 Hub, and partners, will run from July to September, with a possible extension to October. It aims to train 50 Nigerians in its first phase.
Výprachtický emphasized that investment is vital for long-term economic growth and industrial development. Despite Nigeria’s developmental challenges, he noted the country’s enormous potential, especially in its youth.
He stated, “Creating skilled employment opportunities and diversifying the economy are essential to unlocking this potential. Nigeria faces many challenges, but its people, particularly young people, hold the key to overcoming them.”
The ambassador expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve its development goals through sustained investments in technology, innovation, and human capital.
He added, “We are proud that our government and embassy can contribute to these efforts. I am confident Nigeria will succeed.”
Earlier, Dr. Deji Ige, Deputy General Manager of Innov8 Hub, said the partnership would boost the adoption of 3D printing technology and strengthen Nigeria’s innovation capacity.
He explained that the initiative aims to bridge Nigeria’s skills gap in additive manufacturing and promote innovation in key sectors.
“3D printing is vital for rapid prototyping, product development, STEAM education, and manufacturing,” Ige noted.
He mentioned that the center would serve as a platform for training researchers, students, officials, industry professionals, and academics in practical 3D printing applications.
The project has three core goals: establishing the fabrication center, providing training and capacity building, and fostering innovation.
“Ignoring the technology means Nigeria is behind in knowledge, skills, and deployment in medicine, engineering, education, and agriculture,” Ige said.
Participants will undergo three levels of training: basic, intermediate, and advanced.
“The basic level introduces awareness and practical skills, the intermediate covers design, operation, and troubleshooting, while the advanced prepares for complex applications,” he explained.
Ige encouraged participants to pursue continuous learning to stay relevant in the fast-changing global tech landscape.
The 3D Printing and Fabrication Centre aims to train Nigerians in additive manufacturing and promote innovation across sectors such as education, engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing.
