The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu has expressed worry over lack of competent teachers and instructional materials for effective handling of Trade subjects in schools.
Adamu disclosed this in Abuja at a National Conference on “Repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through Policy and Legislative Options for National Development.”
According to the Minister, ” the 37 Trade subjects, which were already being offered as compulsory subjects in schools, lacked skilled teachers.”
Adamu was represented by Dr. Masa’udu Kazaure, the immediate past Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The minister commended the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) for creating opportunity to reflect on the nation’s experiences in TVET as well as to plan for the journey ahead.
Adamu further commended the context of skill development for the citizenry through sustainable policies and legislation.
“Presently, most of our schools lack competent teachers and instructional materials for effective handling of the 37 Trade subjects already offered as compulsory subjects in Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) since 2013.”
“Worst still, the entrepreneurship education courses being offered in many tertiary institutions cannot energise the students’ entrepreneurial spirit and mindset for self-employment.
“It is another giant stride of the Federal Government on TVET in solving massive unemployment problem, diminish rural poverty and empower a larger percentage of the citizens.
“This was approved by the Federal Executive Council for the institutionalisation of a six-level National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF) in Nigeria and its placement in the Scheme of Service.
“The Ministry through NBTE developed 41 (forty-one) National Occupational Standards (NOS) and 95 qualifications covering eight (8) economic sectors of the country.
“Namely: Construction, Hospitality, Education & Care, Power, Service Industry, ICT, Agriculture and Manufacturing.” he said.
He called for more interventions in the area of special fund for TVET, just as we have TEFUND for vocational training to move forward in the country.
Adamu said, if that was not done; the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030 would be a mirage if not hinged on solid TVET system.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Sonny Echono, said the conference would serve as a foundation for TVET development, coordination and effective implementation.
Echono, represented by the Director of Human Resources in the ministry, Mr. David Gende, said there was an epic gap between the skilled manpower required and that which was currently available.
“Most of the graduates produced in various Universities of Technology, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education (Technical) and Technical Colleges nationwide do not have specific skills required for the job market (market relevant skills).
“This has created a shortfall of adequately skilled educated workforce which is one of the major constraints to the growth and development of our Nation”
“Therefore the present Administration’s emphasis is majored on TVET and skill acquisition is born out of the recognition that TVET is the bedrock of socio-economic growth and development of any nation,” he said.
Recall that the Federal Ministry of Education and other federal ministries signed a declaration of cooperation on TVET for quality skills that will enhance youth employment in Nigeria.
The two-day event will bring together TVET stakeholders from Government, the private sector, and international organisations to identify options and actions for an improved TVET system in Nigeria.
