…Directs institutions to focus on engineering, technology, innovation
The Federal Government has directed polytechnics across the country to begin phasing out non-technical programmes that fall outside their statutory mandate, in a major policy shift aimed at strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and boosting Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, issued the directive on Thursday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Governing Board of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Alausa said polytechnics must return to their core mandate by prioritising science, engineering, technology, innovation and other technical disciplines capable of producing the skilled workforce needed for the country’s economic transformation.
He also directed the newly inaugurated board to modernise curricula through Outcome-Based Education by integrating artificial intelligence, automation, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and green technologies into technical education programmes.
According to the minister, the reforms are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to shift Nigeria’s education system from certificate acquisition to practical, industry-driven skills.
He described TVET as a critical pillar for national development, insisting that technical education should no longer be seen as an alternative to university education.
“Technical and Vocational Education and Training is no longer an alternative pathway to university education but a strategic national priority,” Alausa said.
He added that no country could attain meaningful industrialisation without a strong pool of technicians, technologists, artisans, machine operators, automation specialists and other skilled professionals.
The minister, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, charged the governing board to provide strategic policy direction while allowing the NBTE management to oversee the agency’s day-to-day operations.
He also directed the board to accelerate the implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning framework in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund and other stakeholders to formally certify skilled artisans under the National Skills Qualification Framework.
According to him, the initiative will enhance employability, improve access to finance, create opportunities for government contracts and facilitate labour mobility within the ECOWAS sub-region.
Alausa further urged the board to uphold transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources to ensure that investments in technical education translate into improved skills acquisition, youth employment and national productivity.
Congratulating members of the board, the minister said their appointments reflected confidence in their professionalism and integrity, expressing optimism that they would strengthen the NBTE’s regulatory role and deepen ongoing reforms in the technical education sector.
Responding, the Chairman of the NBTE Governing Board, Prof. Babatunde Salako, assured the Federal Government of the board’s commitment to supporting the TVET reform agenda and expanding access to industry-relevant skills for young Nigerians.
Salako identified changing the widespread perception of technical education as a “second-choice” option as one of the board’s immediate priorities.
“We will work to encourage parents, students and the wider society to embrace TVET as a respected pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and national development,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, described the inauguration of the governing board as historic, noting that it was the first to be constituted in over five years.
He commended the minister for restoring the board and pledged the agency’s commitment to implementing the Federal Government’s technical education transformation agenda.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
