By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The Federal Government has inaugurated a National Working Committee for WorldSkills Nigeria to promote a coordinated, demand-driven and competency-based Technical and Vocational Education and Training system.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Wednesday, following Nigeria’s admission as the 89th member of WorldSkills International.
The committee is chaired by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, with NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, serving as Vice-Chairman.
Alausa said the move signalled renewed commitment to repositioning skills development and TVET as drivers of industrialisation, economic growth and global competitiveness.
He described Nigeria’s WorldSkills membership as a major step toward building a globally competitive workforce and transforming the nation’s TVET landscape.
The minister said Nigeria’s admission in August 2024 followed a decade of strategic engagement and alignment with international best practices since 2013.
He noted that inaugurating WorldSkills Nigeria marked a new chapter defined by opportunity, competitiveness and national pride.
“Through this platform, our youth will choose high-quality skills, industries will gain an agile workforce, and the nation will enjoy increased productivity,” Alausa said.
Bugaje said Nigeria’s admission in November 2024 followed “an audacious journey of over a decade driven by passion and resilience”.
According to him, collective commitment ensured payment of membership fees and the successful completion of Nigeria’s application process.
A committee member, Mrs Yemisi Akinrinade, said WorldSkills had over 89 members, reaching nearly two-thirds of the world’s population with measurable global impact.
She said effective TVET required strong collaboration between education, industry and the economy to meet labour market demands.
The 14-member committee includes representatives from government and the private sector, including the President of the Dangote Foundation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
