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The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Education on Tuesday insisted that Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science Education have great roles to play in boosting innovation, economic growth, reduce unemployment, and promote social cohesion in the country.
The Director Technology and Science Education in the ministry, Dr. Mrs. Muyibat Olodo, spoke during the Harnessing, Harmonization and Collaboration of Special Intervention on Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) Programme in Karu, Nasarawa State.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, had last Friday disclosed how over five million Nigerian youths will benefit through the TVET programme.
Noting that the Ministry led by Dr. Alausa is focused and pursuing vigorously the programme, she said that TVET and Science Education systems in the process of implementation are facing numerous challenges.
She said "You are already aware of the direction the Ministry is taking on TVET and you have heard the HME severally speaking on NESRI (Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative) and TVET and STEMM as its critical priority areas.
"As we gather here today, we are reminded of the critical role that TVET and Science Education plays in driving innovation, economic growth, reducing unemployment, and promoting social cohesion.
"The adage that resonates these days, borrowing it from Prof. Bugaje's passionate advocacy, is "SKILLS NOT DEGREES" and this is what the TVET Initiative of the FME is addressing and STEM as the mother of Technology cannot be ignored."
The Ministry, she said, has ensured that various stakeholders, including State governments, government agencies, private sectors, organizations and civil society groups are carried along for effective collaboration and partnership.
"We are not forgetting to acknowledge that TVET and Science Education systems face numerous challenges in the process of implementation."
Dr. Olodo listed the challenges to include inadequate funding; outdated curricula, and insufficient industry linkage.
She therefore stressed that absolute intervention is inevitable to enable the Initiative achieve the expected results.
The Director went on "You will be engaging in intense discussions, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to these challenges facing TVET and Science Education systems.
"While you are doing this, please, don't lose sight of the fact that there is a Ministerial Committee on Harmonisation of all development partners' programmes domiciled in Minister's office and Dr Layi is handling. Whatever the outcome here today is still subject to the ToRs of that Committee and what it is expected to deliver."
She also noted that the TVET and STEMM priorities of NESRI have become National programmes and not just Ministerial programmes, while some decisions are not just departmental but National and Ministerial.
Dr. Olodo expressed gratitude to all the partners for their support so far while looking forward to prospective interventions from other partners and sponsors.
"Let us work together to harness the potential of TVET and Science Education to drive economic growth, reduce unemployment amongst our young people, and also promote social cohesion." she said
At the occasion, various stakeholders delivered goodwill messages while there was an overview presentation of TVET and Science Education in Nigeria.
Delivering her goodwill message, Britta Van Erckelens, Head of Programmes GIZ/SKYE, spoke on behalf of the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE II) programme, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
According to her, SKYE is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH as part of the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster (SEDEC).
She said "We are proud to support this event and the broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria's skills development ecosystem.
"I commend the Federal Ministry of Education, particularly the Department of Technology and Science Education, for convening this much-needed platform for coordination and strategic dialogue.
"The focus of harnessing and harmonising special interventions within Nigeria's TVET system is both timely and critical. Over the years, we have witnessed a growing number of well-intentioned initiatives, donor-supported projects, and state-led reforms aimed at addressing youth unemployment and closing skills gaps.
She however pointed out that without coordinated frameworks and platforms for alignment, the fragmented interventions risk operating in silos, duplicating efforts, and missing opportunities for broader systemic impact.
"There is an urgent need for an integrated approach that not only consolidates these interventions but fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration between federal and state TVET boards, employment promotion agencies, development partners, and the private sector.
"By working together, we can ensure that Nigeria's TVET programmes are coherent, responsive to labour market needs, and sustainable. Today's forum provides a unique opportunity to open that dialogue and begin charting a collective path towards a harmonised, inclusive, and performance-oriented TVET delivery system."
In supporting these efforts, she said, the SKYE programme continues to contribute to Nigeria's sustainable development agenda through targeted interventions aimed at improving the quality, relevance, and inclusivity of the TVET system.
"Our work has focused on promoting competence-based, demand-driven training provisions, enhancing Active Labour Market Measures (ALMMs), strengthening public-private partnerships, and fostering inclusive and gender-responsive skills development pathways, particularly for young people, women, and persons with disabilities.
"As we look to the future, a core area of joint strategic focus for SKYE will be to support Nigeria's transition towards a green and sustainable economy through the integration of Green TVET programming.
"This includes equipping the next generation of workers with the skills needed in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable construction, circular economy, and climate-smart agriculture.
"By prioritising green and digital skills development in partnership with the private sector, we aim to future-proof Nigeria's workforce and contribute to inclusive, sustainable economic growth."
She commended the Federal Ministry of Education for taking up the leadership role in coordinating this important process, while extending appreciation to all partners, state representatives, and stakeholders who have made time to attend and contribute to the important dialogue.
"Your active participation is essential in driving forward a skills development agenda that delivers real and lasting impact for Nigeria's youth and workforce.
"As we engage, I encourage all participants here to share practical experiences, and forge partnerships that extend beyond this forum.
"Together, through harmonised interventions and collective commitment, we can reposition TVET as a reliable engine for inclusive, demand-driven, and sustainable workforce development." she stated.