Dangote Cement increases educational offerings

Last week, Nigerian press reported on fears among workers that the review of cement standards would lead to the loss of thousands of jobs. At the weekend, Mr Edwin of Dangote Cement Plc dismissed these claims, saying: “the new cement quality review and trading would only create more jobs, guarantees confidence as the exercise properly positions the different types of cement we have and their uses. When you produce a quality product, you would need more hands than when you are churning out low quality and substandard that requires little or no effort”.

The company gave out scholarships worth millions of naira at the weekend to local students in secondary and higher education. Jagat Rathee, Director of Operation, addressed the awards ceremony, saying that the Dangote Group is determined to improve the standard of living of the communities where it operates through the production of quality products, the provision of employment and through social development. The company also promoted its forthcoming packaging company, which will provide further employment opportunities in the region.

Meanwhile, 22 new trainees were inaugurated into the Dangote Academy at the Obajana Cement plant. The Academy runs Graduate Engineer Trainees Scheme, Junior Technicians Scheme, Management Skills and Leadership training, among other courses, and helps to bridge the skills gap between university qualifications and industry. Some 450 Graduate Trainees and Junior Technicians have been trained so far and absorbed into the company, while a further 300 are expected to join this year. Reportedly, the Academy is set to metamorphose into a university.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/23062014/dangote_cement_offers_scholarships_and_training_393/