Twenty-seven Nigerian youths have been selected to undergo specialized training in electrical engineering in Poland and Germany under the Nigerian Youth Skills Empowerment (NYSE II) programme.
The initiative, a collaboration between the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and ERYK Group, a Polish technical service provider, aims to equip National Diploma (ND) holders in Electrical Electronics with European skills certification as electricians.
At the official presentation of the apprentices in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Professor Idris Bugaje, highlighted the programme’s alignment with the federal government’s push to prioritize technical education and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness in skilled labour.
He emphasized that the initiative would improve the quality of electrical engineering practice in Nigeria while addressing the long-standing neglect of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“This programme will change the narrative. Globally, industries prioritize skills over degrees. Soon, admission trends will favor polytechnics because they provide opportunities to work beyond Nigeria’s borders, ensuring better career prospects,” he stated.
Professor Bugaje further revealed that NBTE aims to train at least 1,000 Nigerian apprentices over the next decade under the NYSE II programme.
He also urged polytechnics to leverage the newly revised curriculum to produce better-qualified electrical engineering technicians.
Government Endorsement
The Minister of Education, Dr. OlaTunji Alausa, commended ERYK Group for its role in reducing unemployment and reiterated Nigeria’s openness to partnerships that empower youth through skill development.
Represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, the Minister encouraged the apprentices to remain dedicated and serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria.
“To the graduates benefiting from this initiative, I urge you to embrace this opportunity wholeheartedly. Your journey is a testament to your dedication and a call to duty,” he said.
Jens-Christian Moller, President of ERYK Group, emphasized that beyond closing Nigeria’s skills gap, the programme would also help curb illegal migration by providing structured employment opportunities abroad.
Recognizing the dedication and resilience of Nigerian youths, Moller reaffirmed ERYK’s commitment to supporting the initiative.
A Gateway to Global Opportunities
The NBTE first signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ERYK Group in 2019 to facilitate technology transfer from Europe to Nigeria through skills development.
Under this programme, apprentices will train at ERYK’s branches in Poland and Denmark, acquiring industry-relevant expertise aligned with global standards.
Upon completion, they will have the option to either work legally in Europe or return to Nigeria to contribute to the country’s technological advancement
