The Federal Government has commenced the process of galvanising support from the private sector on the need to integrate practical skills into formal education in Nigeria.
This is aimed at addressing the challenge of skilled gap in Nigeria, as well as tackling the perennial challenge of unemployment and employability of graduates in the country.
Minister of Education of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman,accordingly convened a meeting of stakeholders in Abuja, where discussions were held on how to enhance practical skills integration into formal education.
Mamman, at the meeting ,revealed a landmark collaborative effort aimed at advancing skills development and bridging the gap between the education sector and industry, noting the deal being struck by the Ministry of Education and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in joining forces to drive socio-economic growth in Nigeria.
He noted that the partnership underscored the importance of public-private cooperation in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
He spoke on the pivotal role of the private sector in Nigeria’s educational landscape, urging private universities to offer distinct programmes to complement public institutions.
He lauded the initiative of the ACCI International University, which aligns with the goals of providing practical skills and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement for economic growth.
The minister also commended the work of the BEST Centre in promoting skills development, echoing the Ministry’s commitment to integrating practical skills from primary to tertiary levels of education.
On his part, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, reiterated the significance of securing funds from both public and private sources to support research and development endeavours, particularly in combating societal challenges such as COVID-19 and improving economic activities.
He emphasised the need for local utilisation of research findings and products to enhance industrial growth, urging increased uptake of locally produced solutions.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of the ACCI, expressed the chamber’s commitment towards enhancing skills training and entrepreneurship through collaboration with the governgovernment.
He proposed partnership with the Ministry of Education to promote innovation and investment in educational infrastructure, highlighting the establishment of the ACCI Continental University dedicated to advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, former president of the ACCI, stressed the importance of mainstreaming skills development into the regular university curriculum to create a globally competitive workforce.
He said there was the need for collaboration between the private sector and the government to implement policies supporting skills training and entrepreneurship, particularly for young Nigerians.
Director of the BEST Centre, Dr Atinuke Temitope, outlined the ongoing initiatives focused on skills development, including vocational training programs certified by National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) and collaborations with international partners to develop occupational profiles.
She emphasised the center’s commitment to gender and disability inclusion in technical vocational education and called for further support to expand these initiatives.
