Directorate of Consultancy Entrepreneurship, Research and Development (DOCERAD)

PREAMBLE

The Niger Delta University (NDU), a Bayelsa State Government-owned higher education institution, was established by a Law of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in April 2000 as a “centre of excellence directed towards the design of well-articulated academic programmes that will produce creative and innovative human resources” for the Nigerian economy.

The objectives of the University are clearly stated in Section 3 of the Law establishing the institution especially Sub-section 3a, b, d, e & f and the powers of the University and the exercise of those powers entrenched in Section 5, Sub-section 1a, e, g, k, l, m, n & o permit the University to establish centres for training of manpower for all levels of the economy. Please, refer to Appendix A for the Sections of the Law establishing Niger Delta University where this mandate is clearly spelt out. The Niger Delta University was also approved as a reputable teaching and research institution by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to develop manpower resources for the Nigerian economy in 2001.

In fulfillment of our objectives to train adequate manpower as provided in the above-mentioned sections of the Law, the University in 2010 established a multi-billion naira Entrepreneurship Development Centre as a Unit in its Directorate of Consultancy Entrepreneurship, Research and Development (DOCERAD) with the sole purpose of imparting technical, vocational and entrepreneurship knowledge and skills to persons who will practice their trade at both the low and middle manpower levels of the Nigerian economy. The Entrepreneurship Development Center of Niger Delta University is therefore a reputable and competent training and skills development hub that sets out to fulfill the above mandate. We also partner and collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations in both the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy to develop the local content through various skills acquisition programmes specially designed for people of all ages and especially youths and women.

 

PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE

The Entrepreneurship Development Center is currently partnering with  three training vendors namely Inventus Hub Ltd, Hallmark Global Petroleum Ltd and Roahop ITP Ltd contracted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to train a total of 60 persons in Carpentry and Woodwork, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Formwork and Scaffolding, Masonry and Blocklaying, Floor and Wall Tiling, Painting and Interior Decoration, Electrical Installation Works and Plumbing and Pipe Fitting trades. We are also partnering with Uniworld Professional Training Academy, New York, USA, a training outfit of United Compliance and Risk Management Consult Ltd and the International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals (IICFIP), USA to train persons for the Advance Diploma in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation programme of the University. Furthermore, we are in partnership with Merikel Energy & Maritime Engineering Technology (MEMET), Abuja, contracted by Petroleum Trust Development Fund to train persons in Power System Engineering Technology and Occupational Safety and Health Technology.

 

PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES

Apart from training services, we are also engaged in production of various consumer goods for the economy in our well-equipped technical, vocational workshops and factories. We specialize in the production of double bunk beds (iron, steel and wooden frames), burglary proofs, fish drying kilns, aluminum and iron windows and doors, household and office furniture, woodworking, machine tool fabrication, apparels such as coveralls, laboratory coats, uniform for school children and other professions, reflective jackets, academic gowns, various civil works. We also engage in the repair, service, panel-beating and spray-painting of automobiles such as Toyota, Nissan, Lexus and Hyundai vehicles of all types in our well-equipped Automobile Workshop. Our Catering and Hospitality outfit engages in bread production and other catering services (in-door and out-door) as well as Event planning.
Our Water and Pharmaceutical factories produce bottle and sachet water as well as liquid soap, disinfectants and bleach in various sized packs. The Water Factory uses reverse osmosis filtration technique to produce portable drinking water of the highest hygienic standard. All our products have been designed and developed by the Professors and Technologists in Niger Delta University. Furthermore, we engage in Civil Engineering Consultancy Services for the construction industry.

PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE CENTRE

S/N Name Designation
1 Professor Samuel Edoumiekumo Vice Chancellor/ Chair of Board of DOCERAD
2 Dr. ThankGod Oyinpreye Apere Director, DOCERAD
3 Dr. Guagha Micky Berezi Deputy Registrar/Secretary, DOCERAD
4 Mr. Adivani Seidougha Fere Accountant, DOCERAD

The Fish and Crop Farms have the following facilities:

  • Several fish ponds (8 large and 6 small ponds
  • In-door Fish breeding facilities (6 round and 10 square concrete ponds)
  • Vast marshy land areas for rice production.
  • Vast Plantain Farm
  • Cassava Farm
  • Maize Demonstration Farm

Automobile Workshop


Automobile_Workshop

The Automobile Workshop is one out of the several skill acquisition Workshops of the Niger Delta University (NDU) managed and operated by the Directorate of Consultancy, Entrepreneurship, Research and Development (DOCERAD). The Automobile Workshop is designed to render services on all aspect of automobile maintenance and repairs. The Automobile Workshop is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that cannot be easily found in other auto workshops around. It has well trained staff that can deliver any given task on auto-mechanic and mechatronics as well as on other aspects of automobile works effectively to meet manufacturer’s standard and specifications while ensuring customers’ satisfaction.


Capabilities of the Automobile Workshop


automobile

The Automobile Workshop carries out repairs and servicing of several brands of cars including Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Audi, etc. The following services can be satisfactory executed by the Automobile Workshop:

  1. Vehicle diagnosis
  2. Minor engine servicing
  3. Major servicing
  4. Complete overhaul of engine
  5. Repairs of break system
  6. Training
  7. Counselling of drivers and car owners on car handling
catering
  • CATERING AND HOSPITALITY STUDIES
    • The Catering and Hospitality Workshop is one of the several skill acquisition centres owned and operated by the Directorate of Consultancy, Entrepreneurship, Research and Development (DOCERAD), Niger Delta University. We train interested persons for certification in Catering and Hospitality Craft. Our Workshop has classrooms and laboratories that are conducive and well-equipped to facilitate theoretical teaching and learning as well as practical hands-on experiences that will enhance the inculcation of the requisite knowledge and skills that will produce highly qualified professionals for the catering and hospitality industry.
    • The Catering and Hospitality Workshop organises skill acquisition programmes accredited by NABTEB for the issuance of certificate in catering and hospitality studies. The Workshop has been accredited to run the following programmes:
    • 1.General Catering Certificate Programme - 1 year
      2.Certificate in Bakery/Confectionery - 1 year
      3.Short courses - 3 months
      4.Bakery/confectionery
      5.Advanced Cake Decoration
      6.Continental dishes
      7.House-keeping
      8.Events Management and Decoration

Our instructors are seasoned professionals with years of experience in the catering and hospitality business.

  • PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
    • The Catering and Hospitality Workshop is also renowned for producing nutritious food products and high quality professional services to the public. We engage in producing bakery products such as Bread, Fish roll, Meat pie, Tea cake (Cupcakes), Cakes for weddings, birthdays, marriages and small chops of various kinds.
    • We also offer professional services in indoor and outdoor catering for all kinds of event, conferences and Event Management.
    • Persons interested in pursuing professional career in Catering and Hospitality are required to take advantage of these programmes. Also, people seeking to improve their catering skills for domestic purposes can also tap into this opportunity.
    • The public, developmental agencies, empowerment agencies/parastatals and government at various levels are also requested to consider these skill acquisition schemes to empower the teeming unemployed persons within their spheres of influence.
  • LIST OF EQUIPMENT
    • Baking Ovens (Rotary)
    • Dough Sheeter
    • Dough Presser
    • Spiral Mixer
    • Bread Cutter/Slicer
    • Loaf Pans
    • Cooling Racks
    • Electric Cookers
    • Gas Cookers
    • Pressure Cookers
    • Deep Fryers
    • Microwaves
    • Blenders
    • Freezers
    • Refrigerators
    • Grinders
    • Grinders
    • Plates and cutleries
  • The Building Workshop of the entrepreneurship Development Centre of DOCERAD, Niger Delta University engages in the following technical trades:
    • Masonry and Concreting
    • Floor and Wall Tiling
    • Scaffolding and Form Work
    • Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
    • Painting and Interior Decoration

Our instructors and facilitators are drawn from the Department of Civil Engineering and Works and Services Department of the University as well as from the private sector. We do partner with Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Inventus Hub Ltd, Hallmark Global Petroleum Ltd and Roahop ITP Ltd to train youths in the acquisition of technical and vocational skills.

We are aware that the demand for shelter of various types is very critical in Nigeria. The World Bank has estimated that Nigeria needs about 850,000 housing units annually for the next 20 years. This figure makes the construction industry a beehive of activities for persons and companies involved in the building trade. We have therefore positioned ourselves to engage in the construction of buildings of all types based on the design and specification of our clients in order to meet the shelter needs of Nigerians.

We have been involved in the construction of office complex, students’ hostels, faculty blocks and staff quarters in Niger Delta University.

capentry

The Carpentry Workshop is well equipped with both manual and electrically operated equipment and hand tools as well as highly qualified technical manpower that can engage in both training and production activities. The Workshop is designed and equipped to handle the training of artisans and craftsmen at all levels. The Workshop is also capable of handling carpentry and woodworking jobs at diverse construction sites.

The Carpentry training programme is aimed at imparting requisite theoretical knowledge and appropriate practical skills to trainees in order to produce skillful artisans, craftsmen and technicians in the carpentry trade that are capable of meeting the needs of the building industry, domestic and office furniture requirements in a society that is continuously changing as a result of technological advancement.

 

In the course of the training programme, the trainees are exposed to the use of various types of carpentry and woodworking jobs using different types of manual and power hand tools as well as electrically-operated equipment and machines that are being used in the modern carpentry trade.

The trainees have the choice of specialising in any aspect of the woodworking trades such as carpentry and joinery, furniture and cabinet making and machine woodworking. Entrepreneurship education is also an integral part of our training programme.

 

The training programme will ensure that the trainees on successful completion of the course of study will become skilled craftsmen that are capable of being self-employed as well as provide employment to people, work in the construction industry and generate wealth for self and the nation.

 

The Carpentry Workshop engages in production of school, office, laboratory and household furniture of various types based on the specification of our clients.

weldingtool

THE WELDING AND FABRICATION WORKSHOP

The welding and fabrication workshop of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre is in furtherance of the Niger Delta University’s mandate to produce qualified manpower as well as self-reliant individuals, organising training programmes in welding and fabrication of all kinds. The workshop is well-equipped with hi-tech modern facilities for various kinds of welding and fabrication works. In addition, the workshop is manned by seasoned professionals and technicians organising regular training and skill acquisition programmes in welding and fabrication for interested members of the public.

TRAINING PROGRAMMES/CERTIFICATION COURSES UNDERTAKEN
  • The workshop organises training programmes that spans for 3 months, 6 months and 1 year at the end of which well recognised certificates are issued. The programmes include the following:
    • Arc Welding
    • Pipeline Welding for Transfer of Fluid
    • Pipeline Welding for Transfer of Gas
    • Plate (Badge) Welding
    • Sheet Metal Works
    • Fitting Works
    • Heat Treatment/Forging, and other welding and fabrication works

WELDING AND FABRICATION WORKS UNDERTAKEN

The welding and fabrication workshop does not only train people on the craft, but it is also capable of handling welding and fabrication contracts with a track record of quality fabrications to show for. Some notable welding and fabrication works done at the Welding and Fabrication Workshop of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre include most metal works used by the Niger Delta University in its new site and they are as follows:

  1. Bunk beds in students hostels
  2. Classroom chairs
  3. Burglary proofs of all designs
  4. Gates
  5. Metallic tables
  6. Woodwork work-bench
  7. Metal frameworks of all kinds

We hereby urge the public, developmental agencies, empowerment agencies/parastatals and government at various levels to tap into these schemes in changing the fortune of the populace for good.

mechtool

The Machine Tool Workshop is designed and equipped to fabricate parts for various machines and equipment for the engineering and technical crafts. We have been identified in the oil, manufacturing, automobile and allied industries as one of the best fabricators and suppliers of high quality machine and engine parts of different sizes produced from various elements like carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, mild steel and other metals such as iron, aluminium, copper, etc based on the design and specifications of our customers.

Our flanges are in great demand and are being used in the plumbing and pipe fitting, electrical and mechanical trades. We produce various types of flanges such as weld neck, blind, slip on, socket weld, lap joint, threaded, reducing, spade and ring spacers, square, orifice and RTJ flanges. We also produce bearings, bushings, bolts and nuts of all sizes.

 
TRAINING PROGRAMMES
 

The Machine Tool Workshop of NDU is designed to produce a critical mass of technicians skilled in the metalworking trade that are capable of fitting into machinist positions in the manufacturing, automobile, industrial machinery, aircraft, oil and allied industries in Nigeria and abroad. Our trainees are equipped to operate various metalworking equipment such as Lathe machines, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, Milling machines (vertical and horizontal Type), Drill Press machines (bench, pillar and radial Type) and Pedestal Grinding machines. They are also trained to shape different types of metals following particular design and specifications.

Our professional machinists are well-qualified with industry experience to impart theoretical knowledge and practical skills at the Ordinary, Advance and Diploma certificate levels based on the NABTEB and NBTE curriculum. The duration of our training programmes is from 6-18 months depending on the level of certification.

marine

The Professional Certificate programme in Maritime Technology is designed to produce lower level personnel/ manpower with little or no knowledge and Skills to offer effective operations in maritime, port and shipping activities. Furthermore, the programme is also designed to ensure an efficient and effective development of the maritime industry in Nigeria. The programme is intended to prepare the trainees to meet the challenges of the modern corporate world with a blend of professional career in ship maintenance, repair, broking, marine insurance, freight forwarding, logistics and distribution, arbitration, etc.

The objectives of the certificate programmes in maritime technology are to equip the students with sound theoretical and practical knowledge to carry out a number of activities in shipping and business concerns effectively.

  • The certificate programme students on graduation would be able to execute the followings;
    • Communicate fluently; write technical reports and essays in English Language as required in international Maritime business.
    • Operate basic computer programs relevant to the Maritime Industry
    • Carry out investment appraisals
    • Apply Economic principles to shipping
    • Apply basic principles of Management to Maritime and business activities
    • Use the principles of cost accounting in shipping business
    • Participate in marketing of shipping service
tool

The Automobile Workshop is well-equipped and professionally staffed to provide technical training at all levels in auto-mechanic works, spray painting of vehicles, auto body works, wheel alignment and wheel balancing. We adopt the NABTEB curriculum in training trainee technicians in auto-mechanic works at the Modular, NTC and ANTC certification levels.

pharmtool

The Pharmaceutical Workshop is one of the several skill acquisition centres owned and operated by the Directorate of Consultancy, Entrepreneurship, Research and Development (DOCERAD), Niger Delta University.


Capabilities of the Pharmaceutical Workshop
 

The Pharmaceutical Workshop is well equipped with modern pharmaceutical equipment and operated by seasoned staff with many years of industry experience. It has a conducive teaching and learning environment suitable for skill acquisition/training in the areas of soap, disinfectant, detergent, insect and mosquito repellent production.

 
Products of the Pharmaceutical Workshop
  pharmproduct

In addition to the training programmes of the Pharmaceutical Workshop, it also produces the following products:

Liquid soap in lemon and strawberry fragrances and in small, medium and large sizes. Disinfectants in small, medium and large sizes. Mosquito repelling cream.

The inability of citizens to have access to portable drinking water in cities, towns and villages in Nigeria have necessitated the need for Niger Delta University to venture into the production of bottle and sachet water for household consumption. The demand for portable drinking water in Nigeria is increasing daily as the population of the country increases. The situation is even more critical in Bayelsa State where there are very few water production factories that meet the daily local water consumption demands. It is also worthy of note that over 90% of portable water consumed in Bayelsa State comes from neighbouring states such as Rivers, Delta and Imo and it is still inadequate to meet local needs. It is in sharp response to this need that the Niger Delta University (NDU) through its Directorate of Consultancy, Entrepreneurship, Research and Development (DOCERAD) is now producing very high quality portable water in bottles and sachet to meet local consumption needs at affordable price.

The NDU Water Factory has been licensed by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to carry out the business of providing safe and healthy portable water for human consumption with NAFDAC registration number D1-2238L.

waterproduct

The NDU Bottle and Sachet Water Factory is equipped with state-of-the-art (automated) facilities and situated in a hygienic and serene environment. The Factory utilises the “Reverse Osmosis” (RO) technology in its water purification process which is currently rated as the best portable water treatment process globally.

Reverse Osmosis is a water purification technology that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove unwanted chemical and biological elements from water in order to make it clean, safe and healthy for human consumption.

The public patronage of NDU Bottle and Sachet water is very high in Bayelsa State and our competitors are gradually conceding the market to us as a result of the quality of the water and its competitive and affordable price.

  • The NDU Water Factory has the following equipment installed to produce good drinking water in bottles and sachets:
    • Borehole with Overhead Tank
    • Water Treatment Plant
    • Automated bottle rinsing, filling and capping machine.
    • Five (5) Automated Sachet Water Machines,
    • Ozonator
    • Industrial Carbon and Micro-filters
    • Ultra-violet Sterilisers
    • Shrink Packaging Machine
    • Two (2) Reverse Osmosis Filtration Machine
    • Semi-automatic PET Bottle Blowing Machine
    • Large Water Storage Tanks
    • Two (2) Delivery vans.

TRAINING PROGRAMME CERTIFICATION

 

The Entrepreneurship Development Centre delivers training at the Craftsman, Technicians and Certificate levels and trainees receive certification at the end of their training programmes.

  1. Craftsman Programme and Certification: At this level, the purpose of training is to enable those interested in acquiring basic skills in a particular trade to do so and be capable of being gainfully employed or to be self-employed. The Curriculum for the training programme is based on the modular type designed by National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB).

At the end of the training programme, trainees can sit for the National Modular Trade Certificate (MTC) examination and be certificated at that level. The training programme at this level is targeted at those who are yet to acquire skills in a particular trade and who do not possess any of the Trade Test certificates.

  1. Technicians Programme and Certification:  The training of persons at the technician’s level is accomplished following the curriculum of the National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB). On completion of the training programme, the trainees will sit for the National Technical Certificate examination and receive the National Technical Certificate (NTC).
  2. Professional Certificate and Diploma Programme: The professional Certificate and Diploma programmes are designed to train persons to function at the middle level manpower of the economy. The Curriculum has been customized by the University for the development of middle level manpower in various trades in the country. On completion of the programme, trainees are required to sit for the examination of their professional bodies as well as that of the University.

 

STRATEGY FOR DELIVERY OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES

 

All our training programmes are designed to equip the trainees with the requisite theoretical and practical knowledge and skills that will enable them function effectively as Craftsmen, Technicians and Technlogists and become certificated at their various levels. The Curriculum of the programme is delivered at 30% theoretical knowledge and 70% practical skills at the craftsman and technician level. The duration of study for both programmes is 6 months and 9 month respectively.
The Curriculum of the professional Certificate and Diploma programmes is specially designed by the University to deliver training at 40% theoretical and 60% practical work. The duration of the Certificate and Diploma programme is 12 months.
Both the theoretical and practical learning experiences of the trainees are assessed on a continuous assessment basis to determine the extent to which the trainees are internalizing the knowledge and skills that are being imparted to them.

FACILITATORS OF THE PROGRAMMES

 

The Facilitators of our various programmes are drawn from the University and the private sector. As a University, we ensure that all those engaged as Facilitators in our training programmes at all levels have the requisite qualifications, teaching and practical experience to deliver our mandate. We also assess the teaching performance of our learning Instructors/Facilitators periodically by externally appointed Assessors.
DEVELOPMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP CAPABILITIES OF TRAINEES: In fulfillment of our mandate as a technical and vocational training centre, we incorporate the teaching of entrepreneurship education in our skills acquisition programmes.

The Facilitators of the entrepreneurship development programme are drawn from the Faculty Management Sciences of the University. One of our ex-student, Mr Temple Olotu Abbott, emerged 2016 winner of the Tony Elumelu Foundation for Entrepreneurship. He is also engaged as a Facilitator in our Entrepreneurship Development programme.

All our trainees in the Centre are therefore exposed to entrepreneurship development training with the sole purpose of inculcating in them an entrepreneurship spirit.

TRAINING FACILITIES

 

The Entrepreneurship Development Centre of Niger Delta University is among the best in the Niger Delta region in terms of its well-furnished offices, state-of-the-arts lecture rooms, well-equipped workshops and laboratories to deliver skills acquisition in many trades. In the following pages, we have photographs of our Workshops, Laboratories and Classrooms with their installed equipment for sighting.

Organizations and individuals interested in our programmes are invited to take a physical tour of the amazing facilities at the Centre.

Governmental organizations such as Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Presidential Amnesty Programme, SEEFOR, Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council have taken a tour of the training facilities of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre and had appreciated it. In December2016, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board inspected our training facilities and gave approval for its use by their training vendors for the training of artisans in various technical trades.

Contact Address: DOCERAD,
Centre for Entrepreneurship studies,
Wilberforce Island,
Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Email: decorad2010@gmail.com
Phone: 09036483023; 08118835642; 07086385339