Nigeria’s Economic Growth Hinges on Skills Development
Minister of Education Emphasizes Importance of Vocational Training
The Minister of Education, Dr. Marufu Alausa, has stressed that skills development is crucial for economic growth and social progress in Nigeria. Alausa made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the Technical Teachers and Instructors Training Workshop in the South-West Zone, held at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
A Comprehensive Approach to Skills Development
The workshop, organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank, trained 300 participants from across the South-West states in various vocational skills, including leatherwork, garment-making, ICT, agriculture, automobile repair, welding and fabrication, woodwork, hospitality, and tourism.
Equipping Individuals with Practical Knowledge
Alausa emphasized that technical and vocational skills equip individuals with practical knowledge needed to excel in their fields. He also noted that the demand for a skilled workforce is more pressing than ever, given technological advancements and the need for innovation.
Shifting Focus from Academic Certificates to Practical Skills
The Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof Salihu Adelabu, called for a shift in focus from academic certificates to practical skills, enabling young people to become employers both in Nigeria and beyond.
The IDEAS Project: Enhancing Effectiveness in Skills Development
The IDEAS Project, designed to address skills gaps at the post-basic and informal sector levels, has shown growing evidence that training technical teachers and instructors can enhance effectiveness in developing countries in a cost-effective manner without compromising equity.