In a landmark event underscoring its commitment to industrial growth and youth development, the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) graduated 69 skilled trainees from the 27th edition of its Supply Chain Academy (SCA).
The ceremony, held at NBC’s Ikeja Plant in Lagos, was attended by government officials, industry leaders, and community stakeholders, reinforcing the Academy’s reputation as a vital pipeline for Nigeria’s manufacturing talent.
Since its establishment in 1996, the NBC Supply Chain Academy has emerged as a premier technical and Bleadership training hub within Nigeria’s beverage sector.
Key highlights of its impact include: 1,460 trainees recruited since inception; approximately 920 employed within NBC; 94 alumni promoted to senior roles, including one Plant Manager and 1,100+ employees upskilled annually through specialized programs.
The Academy specifically targets top-performing Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holders from Nigerian polytechnics, while also offering advanced training for existing NBC staff to enhance productivity and leadership capabilities.
The SCA curriculum is designed to equip trainees with practical, industry-relevant skills through immersive classroom sessions covering technical and managerial disciplines.
Hands-on training on mini production lines and simulated work environments (e.g., driver simulators, safety behavior modules). Access to cutting-edge facilities, including adigital learning lab, a fully stocked library, an on-site clinic and a staff canteen.
Also see: Bad News for Lookman as Inter Freeze Transfer Negotiations
This blend of theoretical and experiential learning ensures graduates are job-ready, fostering innovation and operational excellence.
At the ceremony, NBC Managing Director, Goran Sladic, emphasized the Academy’s role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development. Sladic also commended the graduates for their innovative project, ‘Smart Traffic Light,’ a safety-enhancing solution designed to replace traditional convex mirrors in NBC facilities.
The event drew high-profile endorsements from key stakeholders, including:
- Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth & Social Development
- Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA)
- Hon. Adebanjo Moyo sore, Chairman, Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area
They lauded NBC for bridging the skills gap and contributing to Nigeria’s industrial talent pool, aligning with national goals for youth employment and economic diversification. NBC continues to set a gold standard for corporate-led human capital development in Africa.
As Nigeria pushes for industrialization, initiatives like the SCA will be critical in building a skilled, future-ready workforce.
