Dangote Cement, one of Africa’s leading cement producers, has recently launched a student industrial internship scheme aimed at providing hands-on industry experience to tertiary institution students across Nigeria. This initiative comes as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to support and empower the next generation of engineers and technical professionals in the country.
The scheme offers a unique opportunity for engineering students to apply the knowledge they have gained in classrooms and laboratories to real-world situations. Tunde Mabogunje, the Dangote Cement Lagos regional sales director, emphasized the importance of practical experience in complementing theoretical learning. He stated that the internship program will allow selected students to work on building projects using Dangote Cement, following the guidelines set by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
The first set of beneficiaries from Yaba College of Technology and Kano Polytechnic have already been inducted into the program, with a total of 20 students—10 from each state—participating in the initial phase. These students were selected based on their academic performance in Building Studies, and they will be mentored by technical officers from Dangote Cement at various project sites.
Mabogunje highlighted the company’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with essential skills, emphasizing the importance of vocational and technical training in driving growth and development in the building sector. He noted that the shortage of such skills has been a hindrance to the industry, and the internship program aims to bridge this gap by providing practical experience to aspiring professionals.
In addition to the internship scheme, Dangote Cement has also invested in recruiting and training engineering graduates to fill roles within its plants, as well as sending graduates abroad for specialized training in refinery and fertilizer operations. The company recognizes the importance of investing in the skills of the youth, as they are the future leaders and contributors to society.
The success of Dangote Cement and other key players in the Nigerian cement industry, such as BUA Cement and Lafarge Africa, is evident in their recent financial performance. Data from the financial statements of these companies showed a significant increase in sales revenue, reaching a combined total of N2.4 trillion in the first half of 2024. This growth reflects the resilience and potential of the cement sector in driving economic development and creating opportunities for skilled professionals.
Overall, Dangote Cement’s student industrial internship scheme represents a valuable opportunity for Nigerian students to gain practical experience and enhance their skills in the engineering and construction fields. By investing in the next generation of professionals, the company is not only contributing to the development of the industry but also empowering young talents to drive innovation and growth in the Nigerian economy.