National Board for Technical Education Advocates 50% Skill Acquisition in Secondary School Curriculum

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has made a compelling call for the inclusion of compulsory skill acquisition programs, amounting to 50% of the secondary school curriculum. The aim of this initiative, according to NBTE, is to enable students to gain a deeper understanding of their interests and abilities, facilitating better decision-making processes that can lead to personal and professional development.

During an interaction with the News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, emphasized the significance of enhancing technical education and vocational training for secondary school students. This, he believes, would effectively identify talents that could be nurtured into profitable enterprises.

Bugaje stressed the importance of exposing students to skills at an early stage, fostering their development and preparing them for the practical demands of the job market. He cited Germany's dual system as an example, where students spend three days in school and three days in industries during their secondary education. This approach helps students acquire practical skills and positions them favorably for employment or further education.

In Nigeria, Bugaje pointed out that many tertiary institution graduates struggle to find employment because they lack the practical skills required by industries. To address this issue, he called on the government to redirect the education system. He proposed that 50% of secondary school graduates should undergo skills training in polytechnics, 30% should attend universities, and 20% should enroll in Colleges of Education (COEs).

Bugaje believes that these measures would enhance the expertise available in polytechnics, enabling them to contribute effectively to national projects. He expressed concern about Nigeria's reliance on foreign technicians for various projects, emphasizing the need to utilize the country's own skilled workforce.

To bridge the skills gap, the NBTE has initiated steps to integrate skills qualifications into the curriculum. Students in polytechnics will now be required to learn a skill relevant to their course of study before graduation. This move aims to create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths and provide a market for their skills both locally and internationally.

Bugaje emphasized the changing dynamics of education and employment, emphasizing that possessing a degree alone does not guarantee job prospects. He highlighted the historical significance of artisanal and craftsman skills, stressing the importance of developing and nurturing these skills to promote economic growth and self-reliance.

The NBTE's efforts to promote skill acquisition among secondary school students aim to equip the Nigerian youth with the practical expertise required in today's job market, fostering self-reliance and contributing to national development.