Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education, the Kano State government, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have launched a collaborative initiative to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country.
The partnership was showcased at a two-day workshop in Kano under the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) III Project, which brought together education regulators, training providers, and private sector stakeholders to focus on strategic planning for TVET institutions.
Speaking at the opening, UNESCO’s Representative to Nigeria, Mr Mendy Albert, represented by Mr Manish Joshi, said the programme builds on a 10-week online course completed in July, aimed at modernising vocational education. He described TVET as “a cornerstone of youth empowerment and economic growth” and acknowledged the Republic of Korea for funding the multi-country project.
Dr Muhibat Adeleke Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, disclosed that over one million people have enrolled under a new TVET framework, with 15,000 students admitted into federal technical colleges this month. She noted that the reforms are designed to expand access, align curricula with labour market needs, and enhance employability.
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The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, represented by Dr Babangida Abubakar, highlighted the Board’s regulatory role in curriculum development, accreditation, and quality assurance. He described UNESCO as “a reliable partner” in strengthening Nigeria’s vocational education system.
Also speaking, Associate Professor Dahiru Muhammad, Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Danbatta, represented by his deputy, Dr Hassan Ibrahim, said the workshop would help trainees acquire industry-relevant skills, thereby improving their employability.
“The college anticipates that this session will reshape their thinking and approaches, enabling them to effectively bridge the identified skills gap,” he said.
The workshop featured peer-learning sessions, discussions on green and digital transitions in vocational training, and practical institutional planning exercises. Organisers say the outcomes are expected to boost workforce readiness across West Africa and support the region’s sustainable economic development.
