The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) emphasized the presence of ample opportunities for certified skilled youths in Nigeria and the diaspora. The Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, commended the Federal Government, specifically acknowledging the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation for integrating the National Skills Qualifications into the public service.
Bugaje stated that this initiative would motivate Nigerian youths to enhance their skills, creating opportunities not only in the private sector but also within the public sector. He highlighted the current global trend where economies are increasingly driven by skills, making certified skilled individuals highly sought after.
The National Skills Qualification Framework, according to Bugaje, plays a crucial role in developing, classifying, and recognizing skills, knowledge, and competencies acquired by individuals, regardless of the training source. This framework provides a clear indication of what learners must know or be able to do, whether through formal education, on-the-job training, or other informal means.
Bugaje further explained, “The Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework is a system for the development, classification, and recognition of skills, knowledge, and competencies acquired by individuals, irrespective of where and how the training or skill was acquired. The system gives a clear statement of what the learner must know or be able to do, whether the learning took place in a classroom, on the job, or less formally.”
He highlighted that the National Skills Qualifications are not limited to technical and vocational institutions but are also accessible to the informal sector through the Recognition of Prior Learning. This inclusivity is designed to promote lifelong learning, facilitate access to vocational education and training opportunities, and enhance career mobility.