The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, has announced plans by the Federal Government to establish about 16 more technical colleges and vocational centres across Nigeria. This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to enhance youth entrepreneurship and technical skills development in the country.
Prof. Anwukah made this announcement during a press briefing, highlighting that these new technical colleges and vocational centres would play a key role in addressing the unemployment crisis by equipping young Nigerians with the necessary skills to become self-sufficient and employable.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s educational system has long been focused on academic qualifications, with little attention given to vocational and technical education, which is crucial for practical job skills. The establishment of these institutions, Anwukah said, would provide young people with the hands-on experience they need to excel in various industries, especially those that require specialized technical expertise.
Prof. Anwukah further explained that the focus of these centres would be on sectors such as construction, information technology, and engineering, which are vital to the country’s industrial development. He emphasized that the government would also be partnering with industry leaders to ensure the curriculum is aligned with current market demands.
The announcement has been met with optimism, as many believe that these new institutions will help reduce the growing skills gap and support the development of a more dynamic workforce in Nigeria.