The Federal Government has embarked on a significant initiative to garner private sector support for integrating practical skills into formal education across Nigeria. This move aims to tackle the persistent challenges of skills gaps and unemployment among graduates.
Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, recently convened a pivotal meeting in Abuja, engaging stakeholders in discussions on enhancing the integration of practical skills into formal education. At the gathering, Mamman unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). This partnership seeks to foster skills development and bridge the gap between academia and industry, catalyzing socio-economic growth in Nigeria.
Highlighting the pivotal role of public-private cooperation, Mamman emphasized the significance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic advancement. He urged private universities to offer specialized programs complementing those of public institutions. Commending initiatives such as the ACCI International University, aligned with leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement for economic progress, Mamman reiterated the Ministry's commitment to integrating practical skills from primary to tertiary education levels.
Echoing Mamman's sentiments, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, stressed the importance of securing funding from both public and private sources to drive research and development efforts. He emphasized the utilization of locally produced solutions to enhance industrial growth, particularly in combating challenges like COVID-19.
ACC President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, reaffirmed the chamber's dedication to enhancing skills training and entrepreneurship through collaboration with the government. Proposing partnerships with the Ministry of Education to promote innovation and investment in educational infrastructure, Obegolu highlighted the establishment of the ACCI Continental University, aligned with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Former ACCI President, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, emphasized the necessity of integrating skills development into the regular university curriculum to cultivate a globally competitive workforce. Stressing collaboration between the private sector and the government, Kayode underscored the importance of policy implementation to support skills training and entrepreneurship, particularly among youth.
Dr. Atinuke Temitope, Director of the BEST Centre, outlined ongoing initiatives focused on skills development, including vocational training programs certified by the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE). She emphasized the center's commitment to gender and disability inclusion in technical vocational education and urged further support to expand these initiatives.
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