The Federal Government says it has unveiled a national policy for skills development in the formal and non-formal education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who disclosed this at a ceremony in Abuja, on Tuesday, said that the policy would provide a comprehensive framework for the development and implementation of skills development programmes across all sectors of the economy

Alausa, represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, explained that the policy was not merely a collection of ideas, but a blueprint and a roadmap that charts a course towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.

“For many years, we have grappled with the challenge of unemployment and underemployment, particularly among our youths. We have witnessed a mismatch between the skills possessed by our graduates and the demands of the labour market.

“This policy directly addresses these challenges, recognising that skills development is not just an educational imperative, but a fundamental economic and social necessity,” he said.

Alausa also explained that the policy emphasised the alignment of skills development programmes with the actual needs of industries and employers.

He encouraged stakeholders to ensure that the training institutions were producing graduates equipped with the skills that were in demand, and not just skills relevant in the past.

“As you are aware, Nigeria is experiencing rapid population growth and urbanisation.

“However, we have put into cognisance a flexible, learner-centred platform, designed to meet the needs of a specific group of people including children, adolescents and youth who are not enrolled into formal education.

“Individuals will receive training in professions that align with local market needs and opportunities, and this will enable them to develop entrepreneurial skills to start managing their own businesses,” he added.

He disclosed that the ministry had partnered with the African Development Bank (AfDB), to train 229 girls from the Federal Science and Technical Colleges across the country.

He also said that 134 students from Federal and State Technical Colleges in the North-East geo-political zone of the country had concluded their hands-on training on tiling and interlocking.

He pledged the commitment of the ministry to breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone had the chance to acquire valuable skills for emancipation and empowerment.