By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The New National Policy on Skills Development is ready and the implementation will commence in September, 2024.
The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, who disclosed in Abuja, said in order to equip the Nigerian youth, it has become inevitable to adopt a comprehensive National Policy on Skills Development.
Mamman Stated this in his keynote address at a one-day pre-validation meeting of stakeholders on the draft National policy on Skills organised by the Education Ministry in collaboration with UNESCO and UNICEF on Tuesday.
According to him, the policy will make Nigerian youth to compete favourably with their counterparts in other parts of the world in the 21st- century job market, as well as the ability to adapt and be more innovative.
The Minister also stressed that the policy will make the youth contribute meaningful to economic growth and development of Nigeria.
He said “As the Honourable Minister of Education, I am proud to witness the culmination of our collective efforts in shaping this important policy. We have engaged in robust discussions, exchanged valuable perspectives and worked tirelessly to ensure that this policy truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our nation.
“The development of a comprehensive National policy on Skills Developments is a crucial step in our journey towards equipping our youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the 21st- century job market. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the ability to adapt, innovate and contribute meaningfully to the workforce has become increasingly paramount
“Through this policy, we aim to bridge the gap between education system and the demands of the labour market. By aligning our educational curriculum and training programmes with the skills required by industries, we can empower our young people to become active participants in the economic growth and development of our beloved Country,”
He urged the participants to approach the discussion with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep commitment to shaping a future where “our youth are empowered to reach their full potential.”
The participants expertise, insights and collective wisdom, he said, will be instrumental in refining and strengthening the policy to serve as a robust framework for skills development across Nigeria.
“Together, let us embark on this transformative journey, where education, skills and entrepreneurship converge to create a more prosperous and equitable society for all,” he stated
Speaking earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, said the National Policy on Skills Development is a testament to the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth and equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving job market.
“In a world that is rapidly transforming, the ability to adapt, innovate and respond to the changing needs of industries has become increasingly crucial.
“This policy aims to bridge the gap between the labour market, ensuring that our young people are not only academically equipped but also possess the practical skills and competencies that employers seek.” he added
He said he has witnessed the remarkable efforts undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with its valued partners, UNICEF and UNESCO to develop the comprehensive policy.
Sununu who urged the stakeholders to approach the assignment with their expertise, insights and innovative ideas, said their collective contributions will be instrumental in shaping a policy that truly reflects the aspirations and needs of Nigeria’s diverse communities.
“Together, let us ensure that this policy serves a robust and inclusive framework that will pave way for a future where our youth are empowered to become active participants in the economic and social development of our nation,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo disclosed that the 2-day stakeholders consultation meeting held on 30th and 31st May 2024, had laid the foundation for the pre-validation meeting.
The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director of ICT in the Ministry, Mr Abubakar Isa, said “This policy has the potential to transform the lives of millions of Nigerian youth, both in school and out-of- school, in formal, non-formal, and informal sectors of education.
“The draft policy before us today is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Federal Ministry Education, UNICEF and UNESCO, who have worked together to develop a comprehensive framework that addresses the diverse needs of our learners from foundational to transferable, digital and job specific skills.
The Implementation of the policy, he said, will require the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including government, private sector, civil society and the education community.
“I encourage each of you to think creatively about how we can work together to create an ecosystem that supports skills development, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship,” the Permanent Secretary added.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, the Head of UNESCO Abuja Office and the UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, congratulated the Federal Ministry of Education for achieving this key milestone today.
He said in the last 3 months, this is the 2nd consultation organized on the draft National Policy on Skills Development adding that this shows that the issue of skills development is a top priority for the Ministry.
He pledged UNESCO’s committed to supporting Nigeria and the Ministry “to ensure that skills are given due importance across all levels of education and to define the various elements of the ecosystem that is needed to make skills development more relevant, more attractive, and more quality driven”. READ ALSO:
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