Nigeria Moves to Transform Career Guidance System as Ministries, UNESCO, GIZ Push New National Policy Framework

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has taken a decisive step toward overhauling its career guidance and counselling system with the launch of a high-level policy dialogue aimed at developing a National Career Guidance and Counselling (CGC) Policy Framework.

The initiative, convened at the United Nations House in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and other development and technical partners.

Speaking at the opening session, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Enitan, described the workshop as a milestone in ongoing education reform efforts, emphasizing that career guidance must be repositioned as a strategic pillar rather than a peripheral service in Nigeria’s education system.

He noted that the changing global economy—driven by automation, digital transformation, and industrial shifts—demands that students are equipped not only with academic knowledge but with structured guidance that connects learning to real labour market opportunities.

According to him, the proposed framework will help align individual aspirations with national economic needs, particularly in priority sectors such as agriculture value chains, construction, and digital skills.

“Counselling in our institutions has been treated as a secondary service rather than a strategic necessity,” he said. “In today’s world, students need more than a syllabus; they need a compass.”

He further stressed that institutionalizing a national policy would ensure integration of labour market intelligence into school counselling systems, elevate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a first-choice pathway, and improve employment outcomes as a measurable result of education investments.

Also speaking, the Acting Head of Education Sector at UNESCO Abuja, Mr. Oladeji Adeyemi, reaffirmed that career guidance and counselling is the critical bridge between education and employment, warning that even strong education systems cannot achieve their full impact without a coordinated CGC structure.

He explained that the new framework is designed to move Nigeria from fragmented interventions to a fully integrated system that connects education, labour, and youth development sectors.

“Career Guidance and Counselling is not an add-on — it is the bridge that connects learning to livelihoods,” he said.

Adeyemi emphasized the need for stronger institutional collaboration and shared ownership, noting that no single institution can effectively deliver career guidance in isolation. He called for a system where roles are clearly defined and stakeholders are fully accountable for implementation.

He also stressed the importance of alignment among stakeholders, describing the workshop as a platform to harmonize perspectives, validate earlier technical work, and agree on a coherent implementation pathway for the policy.

Over the next two days, participants are expected to engage in technical discussions, review international best practices, and jointly define the structure and pillars of the proposed national framework.

Both speakers underscored the urgency of moving from a system of “career by chance” to one of “career by choice,” where young Nigerians are equipped with structured pathways to education, skills development, and sustainable employment.

Development partners, including UNESCO under its Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR III) initiative and GIZ, reaffirmed their continued support for Nigeria’s education and skills reform agenda.

The workshop is expected to produce a consolidated draft framework that will guide the future of career guidance and counselling in Nigeria’s education and labour systems.

Nigeria Moves to Transform Career Guidance System as Ministries, UNESCO, GIZ Push New National Policy Framework

Air Strikes Eliminate ISWAP Shura Council Members, Foreign fighter wounded in Major Blow to Insurgent Leadership

By Zagazola Makama

Recent air strikes by security forces in Borno State have eliminated key members of an insurgent Shura council, in what sources describe as a significant blow to the group’s leadership structure.

Security sources said the strikes, carried out about three to four days ago at a location west of Dogon Chukun, targeted a of senior insurgent figures.

The sources disclosed that three Shura council members were among those neutralised, alongside two senior field commanders known as “Munzirs” and several fighters believed to be serving as bodyguards.

According to the sources, the operation has disrupted the command hierarchy of the group, as the Shura council plays a central role in strategic decision-making and operational coordination.

According to the sources, another top figure identified as Yaa Bashir, also a senior member of the Shura council, sustained a serious thigh fracture in the strikes.

They further revealed that a foreign fighter identified as Abu Khalid, believed to be an Arab national, also suffered severe injuries during the same operation.

The sources added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the identities of others affected while assessment of the full impact of the strikes continues.

They noted that the operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to degrade insurgent leadership and disrupt their operational capabilities in the North-East.

Air Strikes Eliminate ISWAP Shura Council Members, Foreign fighter wounded in Major Blow to Insurgent Leadership

Troops Investigate Indiscriminate Shooting Incident in Borno Community

By Zagazola Makama

An incident of indiscriminate shooting by members of a hybrid security force has left one personnel and a civilian injured in Mandaragirau village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 12:20 p.m. on April 30 when members of the hybrid forces deployed under the 162 Amphibious Battalion allegedly discharged their weapons indiscriminately within the community.

The sources disclosed that the shooting resulted in injuries to one member of the hybrid force and a civilian who were both evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

According to the sources, the situation was promptly brought under control, while the erring personnel involved in the incident was arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.

They added that preliminary inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ensure appropriate disciplinary action.

Security authorities assured residents of the area that measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence and maintain order within the community.

Troops Investigate Indiscriminate Shooting Incident in Borno Community