Midea and IOM Collaborate to Launch Vocational Training for Migrants in Nigeria
Midea has teamed up with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to establish the Midea Academy, a vocational training initiative in Abuja, Nigeria. This program aims to support return migrants and internally displaced persons by offering them essential skills that can provide a pathway to employment and re-establishing their lives.
Launched in January 2026, this collaboration represents a significant step in merging private sector innovation with humanitarian assistance. The training program is designed as part of IOM's broader reintegration framework, which addresses the complex challenges faced by returnees upon their reintegration into society. As pointed out by IOM's National Programme Officer, Anyanechi Ukamaka, return migrants often struggle with intertwined economic, emotional, and social pressures. This initiative is not merely about skills acquisition; it emphasizes the importance of mental health and community acceptance, fostering a holistic and sustainable approach to reintegration.
At the Midea Training Center in Abuja, participants are subjected to a comprehensive two-week curriculum. The structure consists of 30% theoretical knowledge and 70% hands-on practical exercises, which are tailored to meet the needs of the industry. The training focuses on the installation of Midea's UNICOOL air conditioning units, a subject in which Midea excels globally. The developers have ensured that their training incorporates international standards that are acknowledged by professional organizations, providing participants with skills that hold significance in the global job market.
One of the key aspects of the program involves participants undertaking projects that culminate in practical installations, such as the recent accomplishment of installing nine air conditioning units at the IOM office. Uwalaka Chidubem Cordelia, one of the program's participants, expressed her newfound confidence upon completing the installation, stating that it once seemed daunting, especially for her as a woman. The final outcomes not only provided her with practical abilities but also instilled a profound sense of empowerment and achievement.
The initiative aims to restore dignity to returnees, aligning perfectly with IOM and Midea's shared vision of fostering sustainable futures. This program thus serves as a platform for participants to reconstruct their confidence and believes that they can contribute positively to their communities. Ukamaka encapsulated the essence of the collaboration when she stated that they are jointly creating new pathways for personal and professional growth.
As the Midea Academy progresses, there are appeals for more public engagement. Midea hopes that increasing awareness of the value of vocational training will inspire individuals and organizations to take an active role in future initiatives. By pooling resources and expertise, they aim to enhance the prospects of returnees, fostering an environment where new opportunities flourish. With the success of this program, Midea and IOM have set a precedent for future collaborations that could pave the way for additional training programs across Nigeria, ultimately working towards reducing unemployment and enhancing the lives of those affected by migration.