FG Inaugurates WorldSkills Nigeria Committee to Boost TVET and Skills Development

The Federal Government has officially inaugurated the National Working Committee for WorldSkills Nigeria, a strategic initiative aimed at promoting a coordinated, demand-driven, and competency-based Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system across the country.

The inauguration, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday, was led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, following Nigeria’s admission as the 89th member of WorldSkills International.

The committee is chaired by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, with the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, serving as Vice-Chairman.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Alausa described Nigeria’s WorldSkills membership as a pivotal step toward building a globally competitive workforce. He emphasized that the initiative would reposition skills development and TVET as key drivers of industrialization, economic growth, and national productivity.

“Through this platform, our youth will acquire high-quality skills, industries will gain a more agile workforce, and the nation will benefit from increased productivity and competitiveness,” he said.

Prof. Bugaje highlighted the decade-long efforts that culminated in Nigeria’s successful admission to WorldSkills International. He attributed the achievement to collective commitment, strategic engagement, and adherence to international best practices.

Committee member Mrs. Yemisi Akinrinade noted that WorldSkills now reaches nearly two-thirds of the global population through its 89-member countries. She stressed that effective TVET requires strong collaboration between government, industry, and the economy to meet labor market demands.

The 14-member committee includes representatives from government and the private sector, including the President of the Dangote Foundation. It will oversee the implementation of programs that align Nigeria’s TVET system with international standards, aiming to equip young Nigerians with market-relevant skills and enhance global competitiveness.