The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is taking a definitive stand to address the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria by focusing on the development of a skilled youth population. The Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, emphasized the pivotal role of skilled youths in combating the nation’s prevalent issues, particularly insecurity.
Speaking in Kaduna at the culmination of a comprehensive 2-week Quality Assurance Assessor (QAA) training, a collaborative initiative between NBTE and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Prof. Idris Bugaje highlighted the significance of infusing skills development into youth-oriented programs. He underscored that equipping young people with skills not only ensures their economic empowerment but also substantially mitigates social vices prevalent among the youth.
Bugaje pointed out the vital interconnectedness of different levels of technical education, elucidating that for every graduate engineer from a university, a network of technologists, technicians, and artisans from polytechnics is imperative to execute tasks effectively. In light of this, he emphasized the urgent need for a revised approach to funding polytechnics, advocating for a more balanced allocation that prioritizes skills development.
Furthermore, Mrs. Sa’adatu Jimoh, a key figure in the Strategic Planning Department of TETFund, expressed her commitment to advocating for the inclusion of skills development in the fund’s intervention programs. She lauded Bugaje’s fervor for skills training and echoed NBTE’s slogan, “Skills, not Degrees,” underscoring the organization’s unwavering dedication to prioritizing practical expertise.
Dr. Aminu Yusuf, the Director of Skills Development Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, lauded the initiative as a revitalization of the essential role of polytechnics in nurturing skilled manpower. He fervently emphasized the indispensable nature of skills in propelling the nation forward, particularly considering Nigeria’s large demographic of underutilized young individuals.
The resounding affirmation from participants like Dr. Aminu Yusuf echoes the transformative potential of prioritizing skills development in shaping the nation’s future. This staunch commitment to honing the potential of Nigeria’s youth through practical training is poised to usher in a new era of competence and prosperity.
As Nigeria steers into the future, the emphasis on cultivating a skilled youth population stands as a beacon of hope, promising a rejuvenated workforce and a more prosperous nation. NBTE’s dedication to this cause resonates as a fundamental pillar for national advancement, symbolizing a resolute stride towards a brighter and more promising tomorrow.
