To address the issues of street begging and unemployment among youths, the Borno state government is to introduce vocational education and training in all Tsangaya schools and also strengthen Technical education in the state.

Speaking shortly after receiving a report on the Review of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), at the Government House, Maiduguri, yesterday, Governor Babagana Zullum of Borno state said. “The mismatch between our graduates and the labour market is deep, and if we want to address that, we should ensure that a robust technical and vocational education is established.”

Zullum said, “I am happy to note that the Executive Secretary of the Sangaya Education Board is here. I have instructed the Commissioner of Education to liaise with you to consider introducing technical and vocational education in our Sangaya schools.”

While commending the leadership of the Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Zullum said, “I want to commend the leadership of the commissioner of Education, for all the good works that he has been doing.”

He directed the comprehensive strategy that will enhance vocational education across the three senatorial zones in the state.

The committee was constituted with a view tom repositioning technical and vocational education in Borno at the council chamber.

The Governor said the strategic plan is designed to empower the youth and Almajirus with a view to equipping them with the necessary skills to meet the demands of various industries and stimulate economic growth.

Zulum emphasised that educational facilities and vocational institutions should tailor their programs to address the deepening mismatch between them and the various industries.

“We have achieved a lot in providing vocational skills to our youth; however, along the way, we felt that we are still not doing enough for this. We decided to constitute this committee to reposition the technical and vocational education in Borno State.”, Zullum added.

Speaking earlier, Presenting the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Goni Ibrahim, Saud that the review was conducted through site visits, stakeholder consultations, and comparative studies.

Alhaji Ibrahim also recommended for establishment of the Technical and Vocational Education Training Board to address the major problems facing vocational and technical education in the state.