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Nigeria’s Skills Crisis Deepens as Government, Experts Push Urgent Overhaul of Technical Education
Nigeria’s Skills Crisis Deepens as Government, Experts Push Urgent Overhaul of Technical Education
By: Michael Mike
Growing concerns over Nigeria’s widening skills gap took centre stage in Abuja on Wednesday, as education stakeholders warned that the country risks undermining its industrial ambitions without a radical overhaul of its technical training system.
At a high-level session of the BEAR III Programme convened by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria acknowledged that current training models are failing to keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of industry—particularly in agro-processing, a sector seen as critical to job creation and economic diversification.
Director of Technology and Science Education, Mrs. Patricia Ogungbemi,, delivered a blunt assessment: Nigeria is producing graduates who are increasingly disconnected from the realities of modern workplaces.
While investments in infrastructure and technology have grown, she warned that the human capacity needed to drive those systems remains weak.
“There is a dangerous mismatch between what is taught and what is required,” she said. “Machines are evolving, industries are advancing, but the workforce is not keeping up at the same speed.”
Ogungbemi pointed to emerging trends such as automation, smart packaging, and sustainable production systems, noting that many Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have yet to integrate these realities into their curricula.
She described the ongoing Labour Market Analysis (LMA) as a critical diagnostic tool, but stressed that data alone would not solve the problem without decisive policy action and sustained funding.
“What we are confronting is not just a training issue—it is a structural challenge that affects productivity, competitiveness, and national growth,” she added.
The warning comes amid rising youth unemployment and growing frustration among employers who say graduates often lack practical, job-ready skills.
Stakeholders at the event argued that unless Nigeria urgently retools its education system to prioritise hands-on, industry-driven learning, sectors like agro-processing—despite their vast potential—may struggle to absorb the millions entering the labour market each year.
Kano State Commissioner for Education, Ali Makoda, reinforced the urgency, describing work-based learning as a “non-negotiable pathway” to addressing the crisis.
According to him, states are beginning to recognise that traditional classroom models alone cannot solve unemployment challenges.
“We must embed learning within the workplace,” he said. “The future of education is not just in classrooms, but in factories, farms, and production lines.”
Makoda said Kano State is scaling up partnerships with industry players to ensure students gain real-world experience before graduation, aligning training with both national development goals and global standards.
Despite these commitments, participants acknowledged persistent obstacles, including underfunded institutions, outdated equipment, and weak collaboration between academia and industry.
They also stressed the need for stronger private sector involvement, arguing that employers must play a more active role in shaping curricula and offering apprenticeship opportunities.
With support from international partners, including the Government of the Republic of Korea, the BEAR III initiative is expected to drive reforms in skills development, particularly in agriculture-linked industries.
However, observers said the success of such programmes will ultimately depend on Nigeria’s willingness to translate policy discussions into concrete, system-wide change.
As deliberations continue, one message remains clear: without a skilled workforce aligned to industry needs, Nigeria’s economic aspirations may remain out of reach.
Nigeria’s Skills Crisis Deepens as Government, Experts Push Urgent Overhaul of Technical Education
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
News
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.
Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.
The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.
“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.
“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.
The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
News
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
By: Michael Mike
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.
He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.
The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
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