The Federal Government has earmarked a substantial N120 billion to advance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria, signaling a renewed commitment to equipping the nation’s youth with practical skills tailored for the evolving industrial landscape.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, during the 50th anniversary celebration and third national conference of the Faculty of Education at Bayero University, Kano (BUK). The initiative, she explained, is a strategic move to fortify the national education system and transition the country toward a knowledge-based economy.
“This initiative will not only expand TVET access, but also introduce monthly stipends, starter packs, and take-off grants to attract more young Nigerians,” said Professor Suwaiba. She revealed that the federal government aims to empower at least 650,000 youths over the next two years with technical, vocational, and digital competencies aligned with global labor demands.
In a related development, the minister announced the approval of N40 billion for the completion of the long-abandoned National Library project, a move aimed at strengthening research and academic infrastructure across the country.
Professor Suwaiba also highlighted the launch of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) under the leadership of Minister Tahir Mamman, designed to tackle learning poverty, reduce the number of out-of-school children, and enhance educational quality nationwide.
The conference, themed “Transformative Education for the Future: Confronting Emerging Issues and Unlocking Opportunities,” brought together key stakeholders from across the education sector.
In his opening remarks, BUK Vice Chancellor Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas announced that the university is in the process of transitioning its Faculty of Education into a collegiate system, praising the faculty’s legacy in nurturing national leaders. “This faculty has produced two ministers of education, nine vice chancellors, and multiple public figures, including three former Kano State first ladies,” he said.
Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Hassan, emphasized the academic dynamism of the faculty, which comprises six departments ranging from Adult Education to Science and Technical Education. He further celebrated the faculty’s recent wins, including two TETFund grants each exceeding N30 billion and the acquisition of a bilingual education program in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank and UBEC.
The event also featured award presentations to notable Nigerians such as APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his wife, Professor Hafsat Ganduje, Minister Suwaiba Said Ahmed, former Minister of Education Professor Rukayya Rufai, and Professor Isah Yahaya Bunkure.
With high-profile attendance and strategic policy declarations, the conference underscored the pivotal role of education in driving national development and youth empowerment.