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Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa
The Minister of Education, Dr Marufu Alausa, has stated that in the rapidly evolving global economy, skills development has become a crucial driver of economic growth and social progress.
Alausa said the demand for a skilled workforce is more pressing than ever. As technological advancements reshape industries and create new opportunities, the need for skilled professionals who can adapt and innovate has become paramount.
The minister made these remarks on Friday at the closing ceremony of the Technical Teachers and Instructors Training Workshop in the South-West Zone.
The event, held at the Assembly Hall of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, was organised under the Federal Ministry of Education’s Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills Project.
The programme, jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank, trained 300 participants from across the South-West states in various vocational skills, including leatherwork, garment-making, ICT, agriculture, automobile repair, welding and fabrication, woodwork, hospitality, and tourism.
The Minister of Education, who was represented at the event by the Director of the Technology and Science Education Department, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, Dr (Mrs) M.A. Olodo, emphasised that technical and vocational skills equip individuals with the practical knowledge needed to excel in their fields.
Alausa said, “In the rapidly changing landscape of the global economy, skills development has emerged as a critical driver of economic growth and social progress.
“This training programme is not merely about acquiring new teaching methodologies – it is about rekindling the passion for skill development, embracing innovation, and preparing our students to be globally competitive.”
Among those in attendance were the Executive Secretary of the Osun State Board for Technical and Vocational Education, Mr Yomi Omigbodun; the South-West Coordinator and Secretary of the IDEAS TTI Task Team, Dr (Mrs) Idowu AkinBamijo; the IDEAS Project Coordinator for Ekiti, Mrs Adenike Akinyemi; and the Head of the Procurement Unit, representing the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project National Secretariat, Mr Aleshe Ademuyiwa. Also present were representatives of state commissioners from Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, and Ekiti.
In his opening speech, the Chairman of the IDEAS Project TTIs Task Team, Dr Tony Okwa, stressed the importance of translating knowledge and ideas into practical applications. He urged the trainees to take responsibility for passing on their skills to the next generation.
“You are the ones charged with the responsibility of imparting these skills to the next generation,” Okwa said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof Salihu Adelabu, called for a shift in focus from academic certificates to practical skills, enabling young people to become employers both in Nigeria and beyond.
He said, “Nigerians are talented. The major issue is just an enabling environment, and I think that is what the Director is working on with the Federal Ministry of Education.
“So, I sincerely bring the felicitations of the Executive Governor to everyone in this hall. Rest assured that the Oyo State Government will key into what you are doing.”
Also speaking, the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, noted that skill development is essential for Nigeria’s economic growth as the country works towards becoming a diversified and internationally competitive economy.
“The IDEAS Project is designed to address skills gaps at the post-basic and informal sector levels. There is growing evidence that training technical teachers and instructors can enhance effectiveness in developing countries in a cost-effective manner without compromising equity,” Mrs Ogwu said.
Awards and certificates were presented to deserving trainees at the event.
