Nigeria’s future workforce will receive a vital enhancement as efforts to improve technical teachers’ training are gaining momentum, with a strong focus on equipping teachers with advanced tools and skills. Former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has reiterated the importance of this mission, underscoring how it is essential for promoting entrepreneurship and building the nation’s skill development. During the annual meeting of stakeholders involved in the Technical Teachers Training Programme (DTP), themed “Developing 21st Century Technical Teachers: Preparing for the Future,” Mamman emphasised the critical necessity of aligning academic practices with the requirements of the industrial sector.
With Nigeria on the verge of the fourth industrial revolution, the professor emphasised the need for technical teachers to be equipped with Innovation and creativity to train students effectively. He referred to the TTTP as a symbol of optimism for advancing skills development and enhancing entrepreneurship within the nation. The programme is regarded as crucial for improving the instructional abilities of technical educators, incorporating new technologies into academic practices, and promoting an environment of ongoing professional development. Mamman stated the ministry’s dedication to aligning technical Education with industry needs.
Early skill acquisition will be promoted through the updated curriculum.
This strategy is essential for enhancing the worth of graduates in society and alleviating the financial pressure on parents by equipping their children with practical skills. He noted the updated Curriculum to integrate technical training, including digital literacy, mobile repair, and robotics, beginning in primary school. This program aims to influence children positively by promoting early skill acquisition and preparing the academic system for the demands of future industries. The former minister disclosed that the administration intends to make solid investments in vocational education, focusing on the well-being and support of teachers.
Moreover, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has been directed to prioritise financing technical education, ensuring that resources and training align with current critical requirements. As a result, a committee has been established to manage the deployment of this revised curriculum. Mamman states that the program is expected to be introduced in schools nationwide by January of next year. This effort marks a significant shift in education, encouraging teachers to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.
TTTP aims to improve TVET despite low enrollment and funding.
Beyond its impact on individual students, the TTTP initiative is seen as the bedrock of the country’s academic system, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Mamman emphasised the ministry’s responsibility to empower technical teachers with the skills to deliver high-quality education and promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. However, the minister recognised various challenges that TVET encounters in the formal and informal sectors. Key issues include a lack of interest in technical schools, low enrollment, an outdated curriculum that hasn’t been updated in more than five years, and insufficient tools and resources.
Additional challenges include the limited enrollment of female students in TVET courses, declining Teacher motivation due to inadequate salaries, and a shortage of experienced technical personnel capable of equipping learners for current job markets. Furthermore, there is an acknowledged necessity to strengthen connections with industries to ensure students gain access to up-to-date practices and technologies. Mamman pointed out that inadequate infrastructure, especially for ICT applications, a lack of political will, and insufficient Legislation on TVET at various government levels remain significant barriers. These issues, coupled with the underfunding of the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF), have hindered the full realisation of the sector’s potential. Nonetheless, the ministry remains dedicated to tackling these issues and ensuring that TVET aligns more closely with society’s and industry’s demands.
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During the same event, Dr. Adenike Olodo Muyibat, who heads the Technology and Science Education Department, stressed the necessity of supporting technical teachers. She remarked that technical education’s significance is paramount in developing tomorrow’s workforce in a time of change and technological progress. Dr. Muyibat underscored that educators should transform into mentors, innovators, and facilitators rather than lecturers. She believes that the future of education depends not just on contemporary teaching materials and facilities but also on the educators who deliver the knowledge.