Kano: The Federal Government has launched a nationwide Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme aimed at equipping 100,000 Nigerian youths with practical skills across 1,500 centres.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing unemployment, promoting economic empowerment, and equipping young Nigerians for self-reliance and global competitiveness.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id, made the announcement on Monday in Kano.
This was during an inspection visit to Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where Sa’id assessed ongoing vocational training initiatives supported by the ministry.
“The administration is committed to expanding opportunities for our youths to acquire industry-relevant skills that will make them self-reliant and employable,” she said.
The minister stated that the programme encompassed a diverse range of trades, including carpentry, welding, plumbing, ICT, automobile repair, and tailoring, among other skills in high demand.
She said that the initiative was designed to ensure that beneficiaries of the programme became self-reliant, job creators and active contributors to the nation’s economic growth.
According to her, the provision of starter packs will complement the government’s drive to reduce unemployment and address the persistent skills gap in the country.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to strengthening technical and vocational education because it remains a critical pathway to empowering young Nigerians.
“Providing starter packs will enable our youths to put their training into practical use immediately,” she said.
Sa’id commended BUK for its commitment to implementing the programme.
She said that the ministry would continue to partner with institutions that promoted innovation, productivity and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Prof. Haruna Musa, said the programme was timely, as the country continued to grapple with low employability, reduced productivity, and slow economic growth.
Those, he said, were due to inadequate skills among the youth population.
Musa was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ahmad Tsauni.
He said the programme was designed to equip young Nigerians with practical and entrepreneurial skills that would enhance job creation, innovation and national development.
Musa encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity by learning diligently and transforming themselves into agents of positive change in their communities.
“BUK will continue to invest in research, innovation and strategic partnerships to expand opportunities for youth employment and industrial growth, “he said
The vice-chancellor commended the Federal Ministry of Education and other partners for their support in ensuring the successful take-off of the programme.