by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, says that, the Northern Region, with its vast potentials, “stands at a pivotal moment” in shaping its skills ecosystem to meet the demands of the future.
He emphasized that averaging technical education is crucial to creating a prosperous and resilient nation, equipped to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for the future.
The governor made this assertion, while declaring open of the ‘Forum for Northern Technical Education Providers,’ a meeting of Technical Education Stakeholders in Education, from the nineteen Northern States and the FCT, on Tuesday. He was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Mrs Josephine Piyo.
While expecting the Forum to deliberate and proffer solutions to the myriad of problems facing the sector, especially technical and vocational education in the region, the governor stressed that, “Through collaboration, the gap between education and industry could be bridged, ensuring that the people are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.”
He highlighted the importance of the Forum, as it enables stakeholders in technical education to foster resilience and innovation in the approach to skill development, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in skill development initiatives.
Plateau State Commissioner for Education, Dr Kachollom Gang, pointed out that “The North faces challenges that set it apart from the South – with geographic isolation, harsh climate conditions, and limited infrastructure; yet, lies its great strength.”
She stressed that a resilient Northern skills ecosystem must be built on four pillars of: indigenous knowledge and leadership, technology and digital connectivity, diversified economic opportunities, and a community-centered learning system.
She said the resilient Northern skills ecosystem being built could determine the future of upcoming generations.
Representative of GIZ, Ms. Kikelomo Collins Chigozie, said the organization’s goal was to advocate for TVET as a viable career pathway for youth employment as well as support the Nigerian Government to advocate for the promotion of TVET, for broader inclusion, for strategic partnerships and collaboration.
Ms. Chigozie highlighted the importance of aligning training with real economic opportunities with a focus on integrating green and digital skills, as Northern Nigeria must prepare its youths to participate actively in a greener, more sustainable, and technologically-driven economy.