Transforming Lives, Building Peace: The CIDJAP VTTC Olu-Aka Di Mma Project

The Challenge
Nigeria faces an alarming rise in youth unemployment, poverty, and insecurity. Every year, thousands of young people leave school without employable skills, leading many into frustration, social unrest, or despair. The consequences are grave: economic stagnation, crime, and deepening inequality.

A Faith-Inspired Response
The Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), through its Vocational and Technical Training Centre (VTTC), popularly known as Olu-Aka Di Mma (“The Work of the Hands is Good”), is tackling this crisis head-on.

Founded in 2002 by Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, VTTC empowers young people with hands on vocational and technical skills, blending practical training with moral values to develop self-reliant and socially responsible citizens.

A Model of Partnership and Innovation
In partnership with the Enugu State Science Technical Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), students from 39 government secondary schools regularly attend VTTC for work-based learning in:

• Metal fabrication & welding
• Agricultural machinery production
• Electrical wiring & industrial installation
• Automotive & household equipment repairs
• Carpentry & furniture making
• Machine component design
• …and much more.

This is a groundbreaking public–faith sector partnership that serves as a replicable model across Nigeria.

Sustainability through Skills Marketing
VTTC is not donor-dependent. Instead, it sustains itself by marketing the skills and services of its instructors and students. Through real-world jobs fabricating tank stands, installing electrical systems, repairing vehicles and building classroom furniture the centre generates income and provides job-ready experience for its trainees.

National Reach, Unity in Diversity
With the support of global partners such as Missio, Misereor, Fidesco, and the efforts of the Hugo Oelz network, VTTC welcomes students from across Nigeria, including the northern dioceses of Jos, Kafanchan, Jalingo, and Sokoto.

This inclusive approach fosters unity, interfaith cooperation, and peacebuilding among Nigeria’s diverse youth population. It’s empowerment, redefined.

More Than Skills – A Moral Mission
VTTC doesn’t just teach trades—it builds character. Through spiritual formation, civic education, and mentorship, youths are nurtured into leaders with conscience, capable of contributing positively to society.

Our Call to Action
We invite individuals, parishes, NGOs, donors, and government bodies to partner with CIDJAP in scaling this model:

Sponsor a student

• Fund a training unit or tool set
• Support equipment upgrades