The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening technical education in Nigeria through capacity building initiatives for educators.

This was emphasised at the closing ceremony of a three-week training programme for 243 Technical Teachers and Instructors (TTIs) in the North-West Zone.

The training was organised under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project. It is a World Bank-assisted initiative domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Education. The event, held at Kaduna Polytechnic, was declared open by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by the Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Boriowo Folashade.

The minister highlighted the importance of equipping teachers with digital literacy, pedagogical skills, and trade-specific knowledge.

Mr Alausa stressed that the rapidly evolving global economy necessitated a skilled workforce, making technical education a key driver of economic and social progress.

He said, “You have been privileged to receive training on basic digital skills, pedagogy, and trade-specific techniques. As you return to your schools and centres, we urge you to empower your students with the knowledge gained here.’’

According to him, the IDEAS project aims to bridge the skills gap and enhance teacher professionalism.

He stated that it also aimed to improve the employability of technical graduates through pre-service and in-service training.

 The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to modernising education by upgrading curricula, improving facilities, and supporting educators.

In her remarks, the IDEAS Project’ Coordinator, Blessing Ugu, represented by a Deputy Director, Ihioma Chidebere, described the training as a significant step toward improving Nigeria’s technical and vocational education sector.

 She urged the participants to apply innovative teaching methods and share best practices to elevate the standard of technical education in the country.

Similarly, the Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic, Dr Suleiman Umar, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr Grace Bila, commended the initiative for equipping teachers with modern instructional techniques and industry-relevant skills.

He said, “This training has strengthened our human resource capabilities and will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrialisation.’’

The rector also urged the participants to apply their newfound knowledge in their respective institutions.

Mr Umar also advocated continuous innovations and collaborations to sustain the extant technical education reforms being vigorously pursued by the Federal Government.

(NAN)