The Federal Government has raised concerns about the public’s disinterest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), resulting in low enrollment in technical schools throughout Nigeria. Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting for the Technical Teachers Training Programme (TTTP) in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, blamed the issue on a lack of political commitment, insufficient legislation, and other systemic problems.
Key challenges highlighted include outdated curricula, obsolete equipment in colleges, low enrollment of girls, and inadequate teacher salaries.
Moreover, there is a lack of teaching staff with up-to-date skills and insufficient collaboration with industries to expose students to modern technologies and practices.
Mamman emphasised the need to equip technical teachers with the skills required to prepare students for the 21st-century workforce, aligning with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He reiterated the government’s dedication to revitalising technical education.
Adenike Muyibat Olodo, the Director of Technology and Science Education, highlighted the changing role of technical educators, stressing their significance in helping students gain skills and competencies relevant on a global scale.
The TTTP has a longstanding mission to enhance the Science, Mathematics, Technical, and Vocational Education fields by building a skilled workforce through teacher training initiatives.