Ibadan, Nigeria – The need for industry-relevant skills and self-sufficiency among technical teachers and instructors took centre stage at a capacity-building workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Education.
The workshop, aimed at upskilling technical educators across the South-West region, was held under the Innovative Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project and brought together key stakeholders in education and skill development.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who was represented by the Director of Technology and Science Education, Dr Taibat Olodo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening technical education to meet global standards. He stressed that investing in teachers, upgrading curricula, improving infrastructure, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders were top priorities of the current administration.
Dr Alausa highlighted the workshop’s role in reigniting passion for skill development, driving innovation, and preparing students for global competition.
“Over the past three weeks, our focus has been on empowering technical teachers and instructors through a comprehensive train-the-trainers programme. This initiative is designed to enhance their skills, update knowledge, and equip participants with the latest methodologies in technical education,” he said.
“By ensuring you are well-prepared to guide your students in an ever-evolving job market, we are not only shaping the future of individual careers but also strengthening the foundation of our education system,” Alausa added.
A Call for Practical Skill Development
Also speaking at the event, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Rahman Abdulkareem, emphasised the need to prioritise technical education as Nigeria moves towards a diversified economy.
“Enough of paper qualifications. You can change the narrative and become employers of labour. Nigerians are talented; the major issue is the enabling environment, and that is what the Federal Government is working on,” Abdulkareem said.
He urged teachers to embrace skill acquisition and entrepreneurship, shifting away from over-reliance on certificates.
Industry Readiness and Self-Sufficiency
Chairman of the IDEAS Project Task Team, Dr Tony Okwa, underscored the growing demand for practical skills in the industry and encouraged participants to apply their training effectively.
“This programme is a vital step towards becoming better teachers and successful entrepreneurs,” he noted.
Similarly, Dr Idowu Akinbamijo, South-West Coordinator and IDEAS Task Team Member, stated that the initiative was designed to ensure technical expertise and self-sufficiency among educators. She urged participants to take the training seriously, as it would enhance their ability to groom skilled and competent professionals.
Reinforcing this sentiment, Prof. Oyetunde Adeaga, Facilitator of the IDEAS Project in the zone, called on participants to view the programme as an investment in their future, rather than just a means to improve their teaching skills.
A Step Towards a Skilled Future
The workshop marks a significant step in reshaping technical education in Nigeria, equipping educators with the tools necessary to train the next generation of skilled professionals. As the country pushes for a more innovation-driven and self-sufficient workforce, such initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and industry needs.