By Gabriel Ameh
Teach the Child Initiative Advocates Skills-Based Employment for Rural Youths in Gwagwalada
The Teach the Child Initiative on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, organised an Employment Advocacy for Rural Youths in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aimed at eliminating barriers to decent work, promoting skills-based hiring and driving inclusive economic growth for rural and non-formally educated youths.
The advocacy programme brought together government officials, skills regulators, development stakeholders and youths from the community to address the persistent challenge of unemployment among skilled young Nigerians who lack formal academic certification.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Omosomi A.K., Deputy Director, Language and Special Needs Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, who was represented by Mrs. Udoekpo Rose Chioma, Assistant Director, Basic Education, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive education and alternative pathways to employment.
Mrs. Udoekpo stated that the initiative aligns with national education and skills development objectives, noting that practical competencies acquired outside the formal school system must be recognised and integrated into Nigeria’s employment framework.
She pledged the Ministry’s support for the Teach the Child Initiative, describing the advocacy as a timely and strategic intervention that addresses youth unemployment, especially in rural communities.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris M. Bugaje, who was represented by Dr. Adams Maidodo, highlighted the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in national development.
Dr. Maidodo explained that TVET equips youths with industry-relevant, practical skills through NBTE-approved training centres and provides nationally recognised certification under the Nigeria Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). He outlined the process of acquiring National Skills Qualifications, noting that it allows individuals to formalise skills gained through apprenticeship and informal learning.
According to him, TVET is a key driver of job creation, entrepreneurship and productivity, adding that NBTE remains committed to expanding access to skills certification and supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between training and employment.
He commended the Teach the Child Initiative for its extensive grassroots advocacy across communities and pledged NBTE’s continued collaboration to promote skills recognition for rural youths.
Earlier, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Teach the Child Initiative, Ms. Pearl Utuk, shed light on the background and objectives of the Employment Advocacy for Rural Youths Project, explaining that the initiative was designed to increase recognition for non-formally educated youths with demonstrated skills and strong potential for career growth in formal employment.
Utuk noted that despite the existence of the Nigeria Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), many rural youths remain excluded from decent work as employers continue to prioritise formal academic certificates over proven competencies.
“Poor awareness and weak implementation of skills-based policies mean that the talents and abilities of many young people remain undervalued,” she said.
She explained that the project advocates for alternative competency evaluation standards, encouraging employers to focus on demonstrated abilities rather than paper qualifications alone.
Utuk disclosed that on December 3, 2025, the Teach the Child Initiative signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to bridge the skills gap and expand employment opportunities for rural youths in the FCT.
According to her, the partnership is aimed at increasing awareness of the NSQF and enabling young people to access free, government-supported skills programmes through TVET Centres, which are Federal Government-approved institutions regulated by NBTE.
She further outlined available pathways under the programme, including the Short-Term Certificate (STC) six-month programme for school leavers and individuals with no formal education, as well as the B Vocational Education and Innovation (VEI) one-year programme for those with prior informal or non-formal training.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Pharmacy Iko Afanyibada Danjuma shared personal insights on how skills he acquired while growing up played a vital role in shaping his career and success. He urged youths to embrace vocational and technical skills, describing them as powerful tools for self-reliance and long-term economic stability.
The advocacy programme featured interactive sessions where youths from Gwagwalada community openly shared their concerns about the difficulty of securing jobs despite being skilled. Many attributed the challenge to corruption, poor policy implementation and the widespread “man-know-man” syndrome in Nigeria’s employment system.
Participants called on government institutions and private sector employers to adopt skills-based hiring practices, stressing that competence and productivity, rather than connections, should determine access to employment opportunities.
The Teach the Child Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to sustained advocacy, strategic partnerships and community engagement to ensure that rural youths are not left behind in Nigeria’s pursuit of decent work, skills development and inclusive economic growth.
