Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has called for enhanced collaboration between stakeholders in the public and private sectors to drive Nigeria’s skills development agenda and unlock the country’s vast demographic potential.
Speaking at the 5th National Council on Skills (NCS) meeting held in Abuja, the Vice President emphasised the need for a unified and strategic approach to skills training, particularly in critical sectors of the economy. He noted that Nigeria’s demographic advantage can only be fully harnessed if the nation’s youth and workforce are equipped with relevant, future-ready skills.
“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 overcome them with unity, urgency, and foresight,” Senator Shettima stated.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), it was revealed that the Council deliberated on strategies for modernising Nigeria’s skills ecosystem. The discussions also aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point economic agenda, as stakeholders expressed support for the forthcoming launch of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme scheduled for May.
The Council stressed the importance of digital skills development, particularly for Nigerian youth, and recommended increased coordination with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure effective implementation. It also endorsed the adoption of the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) framework for skills certification in training centres nationwide, including federal, state, and private institutions.
Recognising the vital role of private sector participation, the Council urged greater private investment and partnership in skills development initiatives.
The high-level meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Ministers of Education, Youth Development, Communications & Digital Economy, Industry, Trade & Investment, Works, and Women Affairs, alongside representatives from state governments, federal agencies, organised private sector bodies, and development partners.
