SLC-S33/W2 | Beyond the Map: Hidden Gem – Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Ikot Ada Idem, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
“Some places don't become memorable because they are famous; they become memorable because they quietly transform lives.”
We have many beautiful places in Akwa Ibom State that people rarely talk about, and one of such place is the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) located at Ikot Ada Idem in Ibiono Ibom LGA, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria. Many Akwa Ibomites and vistors to our state know about tourist attractions like Ibom Tropicana, International Stadium, Ibom Icon Hotel or educational institutions like University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state university etc but only a few people know about this impressive training center, that is equipping young people with practical skills for self-reliance.
I visited this centre for the first time early this year, specifically January, since then I've been in and out of it for 6 good months and I was amazed by its peaceful environment, modern facilities, and the wide range of vocational programmes available. This place is truly a hidden treasure that deserves far more recognition than it currently have.
| Google Maps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/kvhh5qcDaEjSUfS18?g_st=ac |
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| Steem Atlas Pin | [//]:# (!steematlas 5.07699813 lat 7.85980582 long Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre d3scr |
Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre is located at Ikot Ada Idem, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
One can easily access the center from Uyo, the state capital. Visitors can drive through the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road before entering to Ibiono Ibom. Public transport is also available from Uyo (plaza), while private vehicles provide an even more comfortable journey.
I visited the centre just recently on 24th July 2026 to get more pictures, and videos of the place, the thing is that I already know about the vocational programmes they offered, in fact I was a trainee and recently, graduated from the center.
The first thing that makes me fall in love with this place was its calm atmosphere. The surrounded lush green lawns caught my attention, tall trees and the beautiful landscape creates a relaxing environment.
The Engineering building consists of electrical which is fitted with solar panels, demonstrating the institution's commitment to renewable energy, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and practical learning. Autincluded and Civil Engineering are also included
The large auditorium serves as a venue for general lectures, seminars, praise and worship, graduation ceremonies, workshops, and other important events.
Interestingly, several cattle were grazing peacefully around the auditorium during my visit, giving the environment that unique countryside feeling.
I was impressed by the availability of modern industrial equipments at the center, unlike many vocational centres that still depend on outdated machines. DASAC Provides trainnees with equipment similar to what is used in industries.
The fashion department contains numerous industrial sewing machines neatly arranged for practical classes. The department is divided into street wears, children wears, normal local dresses, knitting and textile, and lastly, leather work which consists of bags/shoes making.
Students learn using professional equipment that prepares them for real-world tailoring and fashion production.
Practical Training Room:
Another workshop contains cutting tables, fabric rolls, manual sewing machines, and working spaces where students perfect their practical skills.
Beautiful Modern Buildings:
The architectural design of the centre really attract me on its own.
The Showroom displays products produced by trainees, allowing visitors to appreciate the quality of items made during training.
Beside the show room is the Furniture, Carpentry and Wood Technology Faculty, where students learn furniture production using modern woodworking equipment.
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| The Furniture, Carpentry and Wood Technology building | Steel Metal and Fabrication Technology Faculty |
The centre also features a Cattle Ranch, providing practical agricultural training for students interested in Poultry/ livestock management, like piggery, and fishery.
Instead of relying solely on classroom teaching, trainees gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry.
At this center learning is balanced with recreation. It has a Football field and well-maintained tennis/basketball court, giving trainees opportunities for sports and relaxation after classes.
For trainees coming from different parts of Nigeria, far Local Government Areas in the State, DASAC provides modern hostel accommodation.
The hostel buildings are spacious, clean, and designed to provide a comfortable learning environment.
The centre provides several vocational and technical programmes designed to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment.
- Fashion Design and Garment Making
- Electrical Installation and Maintenance
- Solar Installation Technology
- Furniture Making
- Carpentry and Wood Technology
- Welding and Fabrication
- Automobile Repairs
- Plumbing
- ICT and Computer Training
- Catering and Hospitality
- Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy
- Leather Works
- Agriculture and Livestock Production
- Interior Decoration
- Beauty Therapy - Beading/Millinery and Hairdressing
- Garment making - Street wears
- knitting /Tie and dye
- Catering/Hotel Management
- Steel Metal and Fabrication Technology
Each programme combines classroom learning with extensive practical sessions.
Despite its excellent facilities, many Akwa Ibomites not to talk of Nigerians have never heard of DASAC. I believe this is because:
- It is located outside the major tourist routes.
- Very few people promote it online.
- Most visitors only know about it through government programmes. (Person like me)
- It receives less publicity compared to other educational institutions.
Yet, it has facilities that rival many private vocational institutions.
So many things make DASAC to stand out and these includes:
- Modern industrial equipment.
- Beautiful and serene environment.
- Practical learning approach.
- Solar-powered engineering facilities.
- Livestock training through its cattle ranch.
- Well-equipped workshops.
- Comfortable hostels. (Both for boys and girls)
- Recreational facilities.
- Product showrooms
- Multiple vocational courses under one campus.
The centre does not focus on theory only, instead students graduate with practical skills that will enable them to be entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
A visit to DASAC offers much more than sightseeing, visitors can learn about all the vocational education available, observe industrial machines in operation. Discover modern agricultural practices like I do, appreciate locally produced products like furnitures, and fashion products like dresses, shoes, hats, jewelries etc. Also pastries like meat pies, buns, egg rolls, chinchin, and toiletries too!
You will experience the peaceful learning environment and lastly, understand how practical skills contribute to economic development.
Students seeking career opportunities can also obtain valuable information about available training programmes.
Steem Atlas is designed to help people discover places that are often overlooked.
Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre perfectly fits this objective of Steem-atlas because it is not just another educational institution; it is a centre transforming lives by equipping young people with practical skills.
I believe that promoting this location on Steem Atlas will encourage more people to visit the place and appreciate vocational education the more just like I do, it will inspire young people to acquire skills that can improve their future.
The place also highlights Akwa Ibom State's commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development. Because for now almost all the trainees there are sponsored by the State Government, and a few by Local Governments, though sometimes non governmental organizations do sponsors some youths too.
*My visit to the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre was both inspiring and educational. From the beautifully maintained environment and modern workshops to the impressive livestock facilities and practical learning approach, every part of the centre reflects excellence! *
This is truly one of the hidden gems in my state Akwa Ibom, this center is changing lives quietly on daily basis while remaining unknown to many people. So I strongly believe it deserves greater visibility, and I am delighted to feature it on Steem Atlas so that more people can discover this remarkable place.
| Date of Visit | 24th July 2026 |
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| Device Used | Tecno Camon (Original photographs) |
| Opening Hours | Monday- Friday 8 Am - 4PM |
| Training Fee/Feeding and Accommodation for 6 months | ₦1,000000 which is approximately 19,230 Steem |
| Training Fee Only | ₦300,000 which is approximately 5770 Steem |
| Gate Fee | Free |
I would like to invite my friends @eliany @bossj23 and @mariagood to join this contest
I appreciate @sualeha
You have written well about DASAC, it is in deed a hidden gems in the state, they have trained a lot of youths on this different skills.
Their training here is top notch, your pictures and videos are really clear and tells how beautiful the place is.
Wishing you success
Thank you❤ so much for the beautiful comment, i appreciate your good wishes.