Julius Berger, Nigerian Army Sign MoU On Training Of Personnel

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Armed Forces Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Mechatronic School (AFEME), indicating a collaborative commitment to training its personnel and students.

Speaking at the MoU signing, Capt. Mohammed Idris, Head of AFEME Mechatronics School and the event’s host, described the day as’momentous’, as the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the School and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc represents another key milestone in the company’s consistency of purpose and proactive contribution to the country’s industrial and technological development and advancement.

Capt Mohammed stated that “this alliance is important because it will foster a skilled workforce in the field of Mechatronics, aligning with the ever-changing demands of the industry; and contribute significantly to the growth and advancement of the Mechatronics sector in Nigeria.” He emphasised that the emerging shared vision for the future will result in a competent, innovative, and adaptable workforce. That came as he congratulated the school and Julius Berger on their bold step towards shaping Nigeria’s educational and professional futures.

Francois Roos, Head of Julius Berger’s Plant and Equipment Department, who, in collaboration with the Human Resource Department, coordinates the Academy’s work, stated that Julius Berger seeks to further enhance the company’s and country’s productivity by taking proactive initiatives to develop the capacities of young minds. Taking that into account, he stated, “We have to train people for the future because if we don’t, we will not be able to contact the benefit of the future offices, and for us at Julius Berger, that is very important, and yes, it is the future of the young people, but we also have to train some more people so that they can help to give the experience of the past to the younger people.”

During the MOU signing, the Head of the German Technical Advisory Group stated that he would appreciate it if Julius Berger became the industry representative, as the national industry will support the development of the new plan, which is larger than what we can see in AFEME right now. The mechanics must know how to operate the machines; however, this is the foundation, and we will do an excellent job. It is going to be a big one because it will help develop cooperation in Nigeria, as well as industry experience.”

Roos agreed with Col Abel, who stated that progress is dependent on how people perceive the future.

In terms of the future, the PED Head compared today’s vehicles to those of the future, stating that today’s vehicles must still be manned or driven by someone who understands at least some of the maintenance so that if something goes wrong with the vehicle, he can repair it. While a modern vehicle may not require a driver, one will only need to tell it what to do without knowing even the most basic services. As a result, we will require people known as Technicians rather than Mechanics, he explained.

He went on to say that some people in his organisation had been heard saying that we do not need to train the employees because if we do, they will leave. However, Richard Bradson stated, “What if you do not train the workers and they stay? Imagine the standard and quality that you will have.

While stating that Himernuel, the Academy’s leader, is always available, he praised Cpt Idris, the Head of AFEME Mechatronics School, for deserving the commendation from Col Abel and thanked him for his cooperation, as well as Mr. Ojomo, Julius Berger’s HR Head, for his support of the Academy.

In his remarks, Ojomo thanked the organisers for believing in Julius Berger, saying, “I have no doubt that this is the beginning of greater things to come.” We are very passionate about the development of our employees, and we will have something for Nigerians in the coming weeks as part of our CSR.

Ojomo stated that Julius Berger will continue to support AFEME’s dream, and he thanked Captain Idris for his support.

The MoU was signed by the School’s Head of German Technical Advisory Group, Lt. Col. Frank Abel, and Julius Berger’s Head of Plant and Equipment Department, Francois Roos, on behalf of the company, in the presence of Julius Berger’s Human Resource Manager, Femi Ojomo, Head of Plant and Equipment Academy, Ajamah Himernuel, Adeyinka Adeniyi, and the Head of AFEME School, Capt. Idris Mohammed. Michael Ashofor, Talent Management Manager, was joined at the event by Uzoma Olivia and Moses Happiness, both from the Media Relations Office.