The Ogun State government’s aggressive push towards revamping technical and vocational education has earned national commendation, with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) describing the state as a model in skills development and job creation.
At the opening ceremony of a five-day Critique and Validation Workshop held in Abeokuta, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, praised the state’s efforts to position technical education as a catalyst for economic growth and poverty eradication.
Represented by the Director of Curriculum Development, Musa Koko, Bugaje noted: “Ogun State deserves a pat on the back for the significant strides in the development of its technical and vocational education. The state’s proactive approach serves as a model for others to emulate and aligns with the core mandates of the NBTE to empower Nigerians with technical skills and vocational training that could make them stand on their own, be employers of labour and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country’s economy.”
The workshop, which focused on the review of six National Occupational Standards and five National Technical Certificates, is a key step in aligning technical education with current industry needs and future workforce demands.
According to a statement by the Communication Officer of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Mrs. Simbo Olayinka, the state was particularly praised for conducting comprehensive industry needs assessments and its strategic focus on priority areas under the World Bank-supported OGSTEP.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Moriamo Oloko, represented by Mr. Temitope Lasilo, emphasised the cultural and economic relevance of local crafts such as Adire, which featured among the trades under curriculum review.
She urged stakeholders at the event—including industry experts, policymakers, and development partners—to infuse clarity, innovation, and foresight into the curriculum design process, ensuring it reflects modern industry demands and emerging cultural trends.
OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, highlighted the scale of ongoing interventions, revealing that 158 buildings across the state’s eight government-owned technical colleges have been rehabilitated, with workshops and laboratories undergoing equipment upgrades to strengthen practical learning.
She noted that beyond infrastructure, the programme includes intensive training for instructors in specific trade areas, and a revamp of the non-formal education sector to align with national standards.
Acting Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board (OGSTVEB), Mrs. Mojisola Adenowo, disclosed that new trades—such as Automation/Mechatronics Craft, Agronomy Craft, Adire Making Craft, and Textile Machine Repair—have been integrated into the curriculum.
She stressed that the critique and validation workshop aims to ensure the relevance of technical education, boost learner outcomes, and meet the evolving needs of industries to support national economic development.
Also speaking, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board and former Acting Secretary of OGSTVEB, called on participants to remain committed to the reform process.
He said, “Your input is critical to shaping a future-ready workforce capable of driving sustainable development across the country.”
With Ogun leading the charge, stakeholders say technical and vocational education may finally be getting the attention—and innovation—it needs to drive inclusive growth nationwide.
