By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Council on Skills (NCS), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday in Abuja approved the alignment of the mandates of the Nigeria Board for Technical Education (NABTE) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to strengthen skills development, create more jobs for young Nigerians and accelerate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s industrialisation agenda under the Renewed Hope programme.
Council Approves Key Skills Development Reforms
The council also adopted the National Skills Observatory platform as the foundation for evidence-based policymaking on skills development across Nigeria.
In addition, members constituted a committee to review policy recommendations that will align Nigeria’s skills development strategy with the country’s industrialisation goals and national interests.
Vice President Shettima said Nigeria must align its training infrastructure with the needs of industries. He noted that the new direction supports President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and prepares the workforce for future opportunities.
Government Targets More Jobs for Nigerian Youths
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the council’s decisions reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to him, the National Council on Skills has become more active under the current administration and is positioned to deliver stronger results.
Alausa explained that the meeting focused on improving the National Skills Qualification Framework. He added that discussions also centred on strengthening collaboration among awarding bodies and sector skills councils.
Dangote Skills Centre Partnership Receives Attention
The council also reviewed plans involving the Aliko Dangote Skills Acquisition Centre in Kano.
Alausa disclosed that discussions covered the partnership between the Kano State Government and the Aliko Dangote Foundation. The talks aim to finalise the foundation’s takeover of the skills acquisition centre.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Industrialisation
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, said the Federal Government remains committed to industrialising Nigeria through practical skills development.
He stressed that vocational education and specialised technical training will equip young Nigerians with the competencies required across key sectors of the economy.
Enoh also described the administration’s Special Skills Programme as a critical initiative for achieving sustainable industrial growth.
Jigawa Governor Commends National Skills Programme
Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi praised the National Skills Programme, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most impactful youth empowerment initiatives.
He highlighted several ongoing skills development projects in Jigawa State and applauded President Tinubu’s administration for creating an enabling environment that allows states to expand opportunities for young people.
Namadi added that stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments will help build a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and industrial development.
