Shettima calls for stronger public-private collaboration on skills development

Credit: NAN

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to effectively drive Nigeria’s aspirations in skills development.

Shettima, chairing the 5th meeting of the National Council on Skills at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, emphasized that Nigeria’s demographic dividend could only be maximized if the nation’s youth and workforce were equipped with the right skills in critical economic sectors.

“We know that isolated programmes, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot substitute for a unified national strategy.

“That is why this council’s work remains indispensable.

“There are challenges, but we can conquer them if we act with unity, urgency, and foresight,” Shettima said.

The council discussed strategies to advance Nigeria’s skills development agenda and align it with the 8-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The council commended the proposed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, which is set to be unveiled on May 16, 2025.

It also stressed the importance of enhanced consultation among ministries and departments and emphasised the need to prioritise digital skills training, particularly for the youth.

Reaffirming its commitment to coherence in national skills policy, the council emphasised effective monitoring and the adaptation of strategies to reflect emerging labour market trends.

Additionally, the council approved the adoption of the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certifications for training centres across ministries, departments, parastatals (MDAs), the 36 states of the federation, and the private sector.

It also recognised the vital role of the private sector in shaping Nigeria’s skills development landscape.