In a bold reaffirmation of Nigeria’s education reform priorities, the Director of Technology and Science Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Muyibat Adenike Olodo, has declared that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and STEMM are no longer confined to departmental silos—they have become the engine rooms of innovation, employment, and national growth.
Speaking at the high-level strategic dialogue on Harnessing, Harmonisation and Collaboration (HHC) of Special Interventions in TVET, Dr. Olodo emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Education, through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), is committed to repositioning TVET and STEMM at the centre of the national skills development agenda. Acknowledging persistent challenges such as underfunding, outdated curricula, and weak industry linkages, she called for a harmonised national response. “The fragmented approach to TVET interventions must give way to a unified, coordinated system that engages government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector,” she urged.
She stressed that all efforts must align with the Terms of Reference of the Ministerial Committee on the Harmonisation of Development Partner Programmes, to ensure synergy and measurable results. She also applauded development partners for their continued collaboration, urging them to remain steadfast in their support for sustainable education reform.
Speaking on behalf of the GIZ/SKYE II programme, Ms. Britta van Erckelens, Head of Programmes, echoed the call for harmonisation and applauded the Ministry’s leadership. She highlighted GIZ’s contributions to inclusive, demand-driven training for youth, women, and persons with disabilities, with special emphasis on green skills and digital economy preparedness. She stressed the importance of private sector partnerships to ensure scalability and long-term impact.
In a similar vein, Mr. Manish Joshi, Regional Lead for the UNESCO BEAR III programme, representing Mr. Albert Mendy, Head of the UNESCO Abuja Office, reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to Nigeria’s TVET transformation. He spotlighted the ongoing BEAR III project, implemented in partnership with the Republic of Korea, and emphasized the need for quality infrastructure, career guidance, industry collaboration, and continuous teacher training to make TVET a robust platform for youth empowerment and economic development.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs. Gemisola Idowu Olaniyan, Deputy Director of Technical Assistance, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their active participation and unwavering dedication. She encouraged everyone to sustain the momentum generated by the dialogue and assured that the Department remains committed to translating ideas into measurable, impactful results.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press & Public Relations
