Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to building a skills-based economy, with technical and vocational education and Training (TVET) positioned as a key driver of employment, industrial growth and productivity.
Speaking at the national TVET conference 2026 held in Lagos on Monday, the minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is implementing reforms aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Alausa said the reforms, being implemented under the renewed hope agenda, are designed to transform the education sector into a pipeline for innovators, entrepreneurs, technicians and job creators.
According to the minister, Nigeria faces an urgent need to strengthen workforce development as nearly five million young people enter the labour market every year.
Alausa said the Nigeria education sector renewal initiative (NESRI) is being used to strengthen the national skills qualification framework, improve quality assurance systems and expand access to competency-based training across the country.
He disclosed that more than 150,000 Nigerians are currently enrolled in skills acquisition programmes at over 1,600 accredited training centres nationwide.
The minister added that the programmes are supported by thousands of instructors and quality assurance personnel to ensure training standards and improve participants’ employability.
Alausa said the next phase of the initiative would focus on improving training quality, increasing private-sector participation and aligning skills development programmes with labour market needs.
He noted that emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing would play a major role in shaping future employment opportunities, making sustained investment in skills development critical.
The minister was also honoured with the TVET champion of the year award in recognition of his contributions to technical education reforms and efforts to promote skills development as a catalyst for economic growth.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, represented by Obafemi Hamzat, his deputy, described TVET as a vital tool for job creation, innovation and economic development.
Sanwo-Olu stressed the need to equip young Nigerians with practical, entrepreneurial and digital skills to remain competitive in a global economy increasingly driven by technology and green growth.
He highlighted Lagos state’s investments in technical colleges, industry partnerships and practical training programmes, while calling for stronger collaboration among government agencies, businesses and development organisations to strengthen the country’s skills ecosystem.
Earlier, Abel Enitan, the permanent secretary of the federal ministry of education, reiterated the government’s commitment to placing TVET at the centre of employment generation, social inclusion and sustainable development.
He cited ongoing efforts to upgrade technical colleges, expand competency-based learning and deepen partnerships with industry stakeholders and development partners.
Enitan also urged stakeholders to ensure training programmes reflect labour market realities and commended initiatives such as WorldSkills Nigeria for advancing youth empowerment.
Development partners at the conference praised Nigeria’s progress in implementing TVET reforms.
Switzerland’s Consul General, Conny Cammezind, reaffirmed her country’s support for youth employment and entrepreneurship, while Germany’s Consul General in Nigeria, Daniel Krull, commended the Renewed Hope TVET Initiative and the SKYE II programme.
Krull stressed the importance of industry participation and demand-driven training in achieving sustainable outcomes.
Also speaking, Karen Jansen, chairperson of the TVET Donor and Development Partners Working Group, described the conference as an important platform for promoting employability, inclusion and green growth through stronger policy coordination and the integration of digital and environmentally focused skills.
The three-day conference, themed “Harnessing TVET as a pathway to employment: Building a system for employability, inclusion and green growth in Nigeria,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders and development partners to explore strategies for advancing skills development and supporting Nigeria’s economic transformation.
