The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise and deepen cooperation on technical and vocational skills development, employability and skills-based labour mobility in Nigeria.

The MoU was signed in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, and the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms Sharon Dimanche, during the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop for polytechnic lecturers and technologists on the implementation of the revised National Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology curriculum.

The workshop, which took place from 10 to 12 November 2026, was organised by IOM in collaboration with NBTE under the European Union-funded Programme “Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria”. It aimed to strengthen lecturers’ and technologists’ capacity to effectively implement the revised curriculum and deliver industry-relevant technical and practical training.

The intervention also complements the NBTE–ERYK Apprenticeship Programme, which seeks to strengthen practical skills development and foster closer linkages between technical education, industry and employment.

The partnership brings together IOM’s expertise in migration governance, skills-based labour mobility and migrant worker protection with NBTE’s expertise in technical and vocational education and workforce development.

It seeks to better align skills development with labour market needs, improve access to decent employment and prepare Nigerians to pursue opportunities within the country and, where appropriate, through safe and regular labour mobility.

“Today is about preparing young Nigerians for the future of work by ensuring that they have the skills needed to respond to evolving labour market demands.

“It is about strengthening the competitiveness of Nigeria’s workforce and expanding access to decent employment opportunities, both within Nigeria and, where opportunities exist, through safe and regular labour mobility.

“Ultimately, it is about enabling young people to realise their potential while contributing to Nigeria’s development,” said Sharon Dimanche, IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria.

The MoU establishes a framework through which IOM and NBTE will explore joint initiatives in skills development and workforce competitiveness, labour market intelligence and skills forecasting, skills recognition and certification, recognition of prior learning, labour mobility, youth employment and sustainable reintegration.

The collaboration will also strengthen engagement with employers and industry to ensure that training responds to identified skills and labour market needs, while expanding opportunities for apprenticeships, workplace learning and transitions to employment.

The partnership aligns with the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through the advancement of quality education, decent work, reduced inequalities and partnerships for sustainable development.