Unemployment: Senate Okays Bill to Instill Compulsory Tech Skills in Nigerian Students

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja 

The Senate has passed for second reading, a bill for an act to ensure that Nigerian students acquire necessary technical skills before they graduate from any secondary or tertiary institutions.

Tagged, “Strengthening Career and Technical Training Bill, 2024,” the proposed legislation was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa.

Musa, who is representing Niger East Senatorial District in the nation’s parliamentexplained that the bill is of utmost importance, as it addresses a fundamental challenge facing our nation.

He lamented the skills gaps between education and the labour market and stressed the need for a robust, job-oriented training for our workforce.

Sani noted that despite the nation’s abundant talent, many Nigerians remain unemployed or underemployed because they lack the technical skills required by modern industries.

His words: “Many of our educational programs are theoretical and do not equip students with practical, market-relevant skills.

“Nigeria risks falling behind in the global economy if we do not invest in building a highly skilled, competitive workforce.

“Emerging sectors such as renewable energy, ICT, and biotechnology require a workforce trained in cutting-edge skills.”

He added that the bill also seems to enhance career and technical education to meet the demands of Nigeria’s industries.

He said, “It will equip Nigerians with skills that lead to sustainable employment and entrepreneurship.

“It will promote partnerships between educational institutions, industries, and government for effective training.

“It will establish a framework for funding and monitoring technical training programme.

“The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, will design training programmes targeting high-growth industries such as ICT, renewable energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and agribusiness,” he added.