Our National Target Is To Train No Fewer Than 5 Million Youths With Industry Relevant, Entrepreneurial/Skills.... Alausa

..... As Alausa calls on Nigerians, Governments at all levels private sector actors, donor agencies, civil societies, and the media to see themselves as co-owners of this transformative agenda. 

"Together, we must change the perception of TVET from an alternative to academic education, to a first- choice pathway to dignity, productivity and national development."

Nigeria's Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa has assured that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry of Education has identified TVET as a national priority.

This is as the Minister, in his resolve to unlock the latent potential of millions of young Nigerians promised to equip them with relevant, market- driven skills.

The Minister disclosed that these efforts are geared towards enhancing technical and skilled education in the country.

He stated that the Federal government has targeted five million Nigerian Youths to be skilled by 2030 through the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) initiative.

The Minister who disclosed this during a press conference at the launch of TVET with the theme; Advancing Skills, Empowering the Future" in Abuja, stated that "Nigeria's greatest resource is not beneath the ground, it is in the energy, creativity and talent of her people.

According to Minister, "With over 70 percent of our population under the age of 30, the urgency to transform demographic potential into productive capacity cannot be overstated. The TVET initiative is our coordinated, data-driven and action- oriented response to this challenge.

The Minister revealed that "Based on the comprehensive labour market analysis and consultations with sector leaders, we have have identified 25 priority trade areas cutting across ICT, renewable energy, construction, agriculture, creative and automotive industries. These sectors represent the frontiers of economic growth and job creation.

Dr Alausa disclosed that, "To ensure broad participation, we are introducing a package of practical incentives: tuition waivers, monthly stipend for learners, grants and single digit loans in partnership with Bank of Industry (BOI) and business startup kits for graduates. These measures are designed to reduce attrition, promote competition and enhance employability.

The Minister outlined the skills to be trained by sector into the areas of seven areas of; construction and infrastructure skills; digital and media skills, technical and automobile skills; specialized and technician skills, renewable energy, Agriculture skill as well as service and creative skills.

Dr Alausa who was applauded by those present at the launch, also disclosed that the package includes free tuition, accommodation/feeding and a monthly stipend of N22,500 to students in the colleges. 

The Minister who assured that the free education applies to students in both at the Federal and state technical colleges across the country said the initiative was designed to attract more young people to TVET, incentivise them so they could use the opportunity to acquire relevant skills that would make them useful to themselves and the society.

He called on Nigerians, Governments at all levels private sector actors, donor agencies, civil societies, and the media to see themselves as co-owners of this transformative agenda. 

"Together, we must change the perception of TVET from an alternative to academic education, to a first- choice pathway to dignity, productivity and national development.

In her welcome address, the Minister for State Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad stated that, "TVET is not just another sector of education, it is the backbone of our national progress.

According to Professor Suwaiba, "It turns potential into purpose, impacting millions from farmers to technicians, nurses to engineers.

"The skills developed through TVET are the foundation for a prosperous, resilient. Achieving this vision requires essential collaboration among all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Professor Suwaiba who assured that the launch of TVET is a turning point, stated that, "We move beyond long held assumptions that success only wears a suit or speaks English and embrace the truth that real progress, prosperity and dignity come from skills not certificates.