'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Progressive Institute (TPI), the research arm of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has released a groundbreaking communique following its three-day National Conference on Skill Acquisition. Held in Abuja, the conference outlined a comprehensive roadmap for addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria through digital and vocational education, drawing inspiration from global success stories like South Korea and Singapore.
A statement by its head of media, Wale Abydeen disclosed that the communique highlighted a significant gap between education outputs and employment opportunities in Nigeria. It emphasized that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) remain undervalued compared to university education, a factor that has contributed to the country’s rising unemployment.
Key observations from the conference included: A lack of structural transformation for artisans from agrarian economies to modern industries. Gaps in skill acquisition and training programs. The absence of a national policy on vocational education, leading to duplication and inefficiency across various interventions. Barriers to skills acquisition in rural areas and inadequate gender inclusivity.
In response to these challenges, the conference proposed several strategic initiatives to position Nigeria as a leader in digital and vocational literacy, mirroring the success of nations like South Korea and Singapore.
The establishment of a central coordinating body, such as a national commission or a Federal Ministry, was recommended to streamline vocational education and training efforts across sectors and agencies.
The federal government was urged to create state-of-the-art skill acquisition centres in each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. These centres would integrate digital and vocational training while collaborating with technical entities.
A pivotal recommendation was the establishment of a Nigeria Digital Literacy Management Office under the Presidency through a Presidential Order. This office would oversee the integration of digital literacy into all levels of education, ensuring that Nigerian students gain skills critical for the modern economy.
The conference advocated for robust collaborations between the government, private sector, and other stakeholders to scale up skills acquisition programs for economic development, mirroring strategies adopted by South Korea and Singapore.
As part of its bold initiatives, TPI proposed a six-month compulsory skills acquisition program for all Nigerian youths after completing tertiary education. This program aims to equip graduates with practical skills needed to navigate the job market effectively.
The conference, attended by key stakeholders, underscored the federal government’s commitment to vocational and digital education. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris, reiterated his administration’s dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by his deputy, Sen. Barau Jibrin, and APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, also expressed their support for the roadmap.
Another notable recommendation was the launch of an “End Poverty 2030 Agenda” through rural industrialization. By developing rural areas and empowering youths with skills, the initiative aims to reduce poverty and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Drawing from the success of countries like South Korea, Singapore, and South Africa, the TPI’s roadmap is a call to action for Nigeria to reimagine its education and vocational training system. With digital and vocational literacy at the forefront, the proposals aim to equip Nigerian youths with the tools needed to compete in the global economy while addressing the urgent issue of unemployment.
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