The Federal Government has called on Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to revise their academic programmes to better address the country’s economic, social, and environmental challenges, particularly focusing on unemployment and climate change.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, made the statement during an interactive session with Rectors of federal polytechnics and Provosts of Federal Colleges of Education.
He urged the institutions to ensure that graduates are equipped with market-relevant skills essential for Nigeria’s industrialisation and sustainable development.
Alausa revealed that one of the government’s key initiatives to strengthen technical education is the establishment of a National Commission for Technical Education.
The minister also encouraged the institutions to embrace the Federal Government’s agenda of transforming Nigeria’s education system by providing high-quality learning and training across the country.
He highlighted the current administration’s focus on revitalising Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), noting that it follows the Pareto principle with a greater emphasis on practical skills over theoretical knowledge.
“This new curriculum is designed to equip students with the hands-on skills required to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce. By aligning academic programmes with industry demands, TVET prepares students for careers in high-impact sectors such as information and communication technology, carpentry, electrical installations, and advanced manufacturing,” Alausa said.
The minister explained that this innovative approach aims to address the low enrolment in technical institutions and ensure that graduates are equipped with skills that are crucial to the nation’s industrialisation and development.
Alausa also mentioned that the Ministry of Education has formed strategic partnerships with the private sector, including the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), to provide funding, resources, and internship opportunities that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability.
Furthermore, he reiterated the government’s commitment to improving education quality assurance, with a strong focus on teacher development and professionalism.
Alausa emphasised the pivotal role teachers play in the effectiveness of the education system, stating that the administration’s goal is to address gaps in teacher preparation.
“Colleges of Education are expected to lead the charge by implementing rigorous pre-service training and continuous professional development programmes that prepare teachers to excel in an evolving educational landscape,” he said.
Alausa also called on polytechnics to focus on developing technical instructors who possess modern pedagogical skills and meet global standards.
He underscored the importance of these efforts in ensuring an education system that exceeds accreditation standards and produces graduates who contribute significantly to national development.
The minister also advocated for the integration of agricultural education and food security concepts into technical and vocational training programmes, stressing sustainable practices, modern technologies, and agribusiness.
“For institutions with schools of Agriculture, you should establish farms and agri-tech centres where students can learn modern farming techniques, food processing, and storage innovations,” he stated.
Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, Minister of State for Education, highlighted that the meeting reflected the ministry’s commitment to advancing tertiary education.
She noted that it provided a platform for open dialogue and collaboration aimed at enhancing the sub-sector’s development.
