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TIP Releases Communique On National Conference, Designs Roadmap For Policy On Education
Joel Ajayi
The need for the development of a national policy on vocational education and training to address the disparity and duplication of intervention programmes has been identified as one of the solutions to tackling youth unemployment in Nigeria.
The Communique released by TIP Head of Media and Strategic Communication Wale Abydeen on Wednesday in Abuja reveals that recommendation was part of the 12-point communique released at the end of a three-day National Conference on Skill Acquisition organised by The Progressive Institute (TPI), a research arm of the ruling All Progressives Congress, held in Abuja recently.
The conference, which was planned as part of the efforts geared towards the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noted that there was a huge gap between education output and employment opportunities in the country and pointed out that technical and vocational education and training was grossly undervalued in Nigeria in comparison with university education.
Other observations noted in the course of the deliberation during the conference include lack of progressive structural transformation of artisans from agrarian economy to modern industries, gaps in skill acquisition and training, absence of a national policy on vocational education which had led to the duplication of interventions without adequate coordination across various sectors and agencies, lack of gender inclusivity and barrier to skills acquisition in rural communities among several others.
As part of its recommendations, the conference, among other proposals, called for the establishment of a central coordinating body such as a national commission or a Federal Ministry to facilitate the realization of the federal government’s objective of addressing unemployment among youths as well as existing skills gaps in the economy.
The institute further stated: “The establishment of well-equipped modern skill acquisition centres in each of the country’s six geo-political zones with arterial links to existing technical and related entities.
“The federal government should establish a Nigeria Digital Literacy Management Office in the Presidency through a Presidential Order which would serve as a national coordinating centre on digital matters.
“The government should integrate digital literacy at all levels of the country’s educational system and encourage collaboration between the government, private sector and other stakeholders through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) initiatives to expand skills acquisition for economic development as obtainable in South Korea, Singapore and South Africa.”
The conference which attracted the top echelon of the ruling APC including President Bola Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio represented by Sen. Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President; national chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje among others, also called for the integration of a six-month compulsory national youths skills acquisition program upon the completion of tertiary education and the promulgation of an ‘’end poverty 2030 agenda’’ through rural Industrialization, as parts of its recommendations.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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