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Adamawa State’s network of technical training centers has received formal accreditation to award globally recognized qualifications, a milestone officials say will drive economic transformation in the northeastern Nigerian region. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approved the state’s 10 Technical Training Skills Centres to issue the National Certificate in Technology (NCT), enabling graduates to secure employment worldwide with the credential.

The announcement was made public on Monday by the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA), which oversees the institutions. Dr. Michael Zira, PAWECA’s Director-General, confirmed the centers—spread across Adamawa’s three senatorial zones—will reopen for academic activities soon, instructing staff to align curricula with NBTE’s stringent standards. “This accreditation ensures our programs meet international benchmarks, making our graduates competitive anywhere,” Zira told journalists during a briefing in Yola, the state capital.

Prospective students who took entrance exams two months ago were advised to check admission lists posted at local government offices. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on government jobs by equipping youths with technical expertise in fields like engineering, ICT, and agro-processing. “Our goal is to reposition Adamawa as a business hub, not just a civil service economy,” Zira emphasized, noting that skill-based empowerment could attract investment and diversify livelihoods.

Established to address unemployment and poverty, PAWECA’s centers aim to train over 5,000 students annually, though exact enrollment figures for the upcoming term remain undisclosed. Analysts say the NBTE endorsement lends credibility to Nigeria’s push for vocational education reform, particularly in regions grappling with insecurity and limited economic opportunities.

The move aligns with national strategies to expand technical training in response to employer demands for skilled labor. It also reflects Adamawa’s shift toward youth-focused development under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s administration, which has prioritized education and job creation since 2019. With academic activities set to resume, stakeholders anticipate increased private-sector partnerships to bolster infrastructure and internship opportunities for trainees.

While challenges such as funding gaps and regional disparities persist, officials assert the accreditation signals progress toward inclusive growth. “This isn’t just about certificates,” Zira said. “It’s about building a generation that can innovate, create jobs, and drive sustainable development.”