Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman has disclosed that starting this September, schools across the country will adopt a new skills curriculum to be introduced by the government.
Mamman stated this during a one-day Pre-Validation Meeting of Stakeholders on the National Policy on Skills Development in Abuja yesterday.
The Federal Ministry of Education organised the meeting with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The minister said the main reason for the meeting was to take a special and final look at adopting the national policy on skills framework for the country.
“It is something we have been working on for the past eight months, and we want to introduce skills in our education system right from primary to secondary schools so that our young ones when they finish school, would have learnt some practical skills that can help them connect with the society.
“We are taking a final look at the policy and then to sensitise all the players in the field that from September this year, we are going to have a new programme that will be implemented across all schools in Nigeria, both private and public schools.”
The minister added that developing a comprehensive National Policy on Skills Development is a crucial step towards equipping the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the 21st-century job market.
“Through this policy, we aim to bridge the gap between the education system and the demands of the labour market. By aligning our educational curriculum and training programmes with the skills required by industries, we can empower our young people to become active participants in our beloved Country’s economic growth and development.”
In his remarks, the minister of state for education, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, said the national policy is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the government to empowering Nigerian youth and equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving job market.
“In a world that is rapidly transforming, the ability to adapt, innovate and respond to the changing needs of industries has become increasingly crucial. This policy aims to bridge the gap between the labour market, ensuring that our young people are academically equipped and possess the practical skills and competencies that employers seek.”
