The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to equipping Nigerians with practical, industry relevant skills through the implementation of the National Policy on Skills Development in Formal and Non Formal Education.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa disclosed at a sensitisation and dissemination workshop in Lagos.
The policy, a central pillar of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was the focus of a sensitisation and dissemination workshop, aimed to mobilise key stakeholders for nationwide adoption.
Alausa, represented by Mrs Muyibat Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education, said the policy was designed to produce skilled, innovative, and globally competitive citizens.
He explained that the programmes targets learners across all levels including basic, secondary, tertiary, and non-formal by integrating hands on training, critical thinking, digital literacy, and vocational skills into curricula.
He added that it would also provide a flexible pathways for out-of-school youths and adults.
The Minister outlined five priority areas for implementation which are curriculum reform, teacher training, revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), expansion of non-formal education, and robust public private partnerships.
He urged Commissioners of Education, SUBEB Chairmen, and other stakeholders to take ownership of the policy and drive its full implementation at the grassroots.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Abel Enitan, underscored the critical role of state level actors in bridging the gap between education and employment.
Represented by Barr. Foluso Akinlolu, Enitan praised UNICEF’s technical support and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to adapt the policy to local needs, ensuring its benefits were felt in every community.
Speaking further, Olodo detailed the Ministry’s ongoing reforms in TVET under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and NESTRI initiative.
These reforms, she said, focus on curriculum review, teacher capacity development, and data driven planning via the Nigerian Education Data Initiative (NEDI).
She highlighted programmes to reintegrate out-of-school children, embed both technical and soft skills into education, and ensure that public and private schools benefit equally through initiatives such as the National Policy on Non State Schools.
She added that these reforms, were backed by significant federal funding and partnerships with the African Development Bank (AFDB), World Bank, and other development partners.
Presenting the first paper, National Policy on Skills Development: Perspectives on Implementation through the Curriculum, Issues, Challenges and Prospects, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, represented by Dr Chima Egbujuo, outlined the integration of the policy into the Basic Education Curriculum.
He noted that the shift to a competency based approach embeds both technical and generic skills such as communication, collaboration, and digital literacy, essential for producing functional, innovative, and socially responsible citizens.
Delivering the second paper, National Policy on Skills Development: Implementation through the Technical Education Lens, the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, represented by Engr. Suleiman Yusuf, commended the policy for formalising the principle of “catch them young and train them right.”
He emphasised the importance of early skills integration to address persistent challenges like skills mismatch, limited training opportunities, inadequate labour market data, and insufficient industry engagement.
He called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, NGOs, and social partners to deliver quality, relevant, and competency based training that meets labour market demands.
UNICEF’s Chief of Education, Vanessa Lee, represented by Ms. Yetunde Oluwatosin, Education Specialist, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to the policy’s rollout.
She stressed the transformative potential of embedding key competencies in the national curriculum, shifting learning from rote memorisation to practical application.
She added that this approach would produce innovative, socially responsible citizens equipped for the global economy.
Lee further called for sustained investments in teacher training, facilities, and learning resources to ensure lasting impact.
