By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo
I decided to write this piece to join millions of Nigerians in appreciating the giant stride of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu in creating another benchmark for uplifting and empowering Nigerian youths. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Initiative, part of the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, has received an overwhelming response, with 1.3 million candidates applying for the program. This indicates the growing recognition of the importance of technical and vocational education in Nigeria in creating jobs.
In an interview about the program, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris M. Bugaje, expressed hope for the future of Nigerian youths. The program will help reduce the number of out-of-school children, decrease banditry, and boost Nigeria’s economy. This is a good way to promote made-in-Nigeria products and build hope, fulfillment, and contentment for Nigerian youths.
The Ministry of Education and the NBTE aim to equip Nigerian youths with the skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. As Professor Idris M. Bugaje often says, “Skill is the new currency in the world.” Nigeria will boost its economy through skills development.
The TVET initiative training covers a wide range of areas, including vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy, to equip youths with skills for independence. Minister of Education, Dr. Maaruf Alausa, has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this program. The Ministry has mobilized resources, partnered with stakeholders, and developed curricula relevant to the labor market’s needs.
The NBTE, under Professor Idris M. Bugaje, has played a crucial role in the program’s success, providing technical expertise, developing training materials, and ensuring effective implementation. The efforts of Minister Alausa and the NBTE deserve accolades, as they have helped to ensure high-quality skills training that meets international standards.
The program’s impact would create a prosperous path for Nigerians hope. Many beneficiaries will start their own businesses, creating jobs not only for themselves but also for others. If one million youths are trained, they will employ more than three million artisans, reducing Nigeria’s unemployment rate.
One beneficiary of a similar program initiated by NBTE, a young woman from Lagos, shared her success story. She had dropped out of school due to financial constraints but acquired fashion design skills through the program. She now runs a successful fashion business and employs several young people.
Another beneficiary, a young man from Abuja, shared how the program changed his life. He had been unemployed for years but acquired digital marketing skills through the program. He now works for a reputable company, contributing to the economy’s growth.
The TVET program will positively impact on the number of out-of-school children. Many young people previously out of school will engage in skills training, acquiring skills to secure employment or start businesses. This is the best way to tackle unemployment and create jobs in Nigeria. President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s government deserves accolades for renewing the hope of Nigerian youths.
Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo, base in Kaduna and can be reached at auwalgoronyo@gmail.com
