My encounter with the Minister of Education on repositioning TVET sector – NBTE, Executive Secretary

By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo

In a memo to all Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions in Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has explained the passion and the quest of President Bola Ahmad Tinibu administration in repositioning the TVET sector in creating wealth, employment and empowerment for the Nigerian youths within the global ecosystem framework in an encounter with the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.

In the memo, Prof. Bugaje described Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Honourable Minister of Education as a visionary educationist with a bearing mind on promoting the values of education describing the Minister further as an important instrument of the Tinubu administration in creating self-
employment for the youths.

The NBTE Executive Secretary, highlighted some of the promises and missions expressed by the Minister.

“On rebranding Federal Science and Technical Colleges, the science courses would be dropped and the colleges shall concentrate on TVET only. No new admission on the science track and those on Technical track shall enjoy; monthly stipends, payment of their tuition fees, payment for the field work experience under Master Crafts Persons (MCPS), starter pack for those who completed (this may be loan) these shall be managed by NELFUND and the Ministry of Education shall source the funds,” the memo contained.

Professor Idris M. Bugaje said these efforts and support of the Honourable Minister makes the TVET free education and the gesture will surely motivate parents to send their kids to Technical Colleges and reverse the disdain for TVET sector.

“The 3 Senior Secondary Education levels at Technical Colleges are rebranded as TVET 1-3. VEIS offering one year training skills for JS products are also to enjoy the financial intervention of the Ministry of Education but must be accredited by NBTE. Skills Training Centres for the informal sector shall enjoy this financial support while they offer 6 months training.”

“National Polytechnic Commission is dead on arrival if it fails to take along the sub-
tertiary TVET sector. After appeals, HME approved it can be rebranded National
Commission for Technical Education (NCTE) but TVET 1-3 Curricula development and accreditation must be added to its mandate,” the memo further stated.

However, Professor Bugaje said NBTE Act and the proposed new Act shall be made. 85% science based and only 15% non-Sciences. This is against the next academic session but all new visitations for new institutions must be on the following: (a) Polytechnic courses must be shifted (b) Monotechnics must be redefined. (c) all arts courses must
be dropped.

Also, institutions seeking upgrade to Monotechnics shall be kept in view unless they are moving to deliver technical programs.

“The Honourable Minister is in full support for B.Tech Hons (3 years) for Polytechnics immediately after the ND. The NBTE to resubmit the amendment to be processed as an executive bill. Also, the Minister is in full support of digital accreditation. A policy statement to be issued by him after he receives a full report on the program. He believes strongly that we should leverage on technology to move TVET on a fast track. ITF has been around for decades, Since ‘before many of us were born’ and has not made the necessary impact. Bringing them into TVET is not necessary. These are very ground-breaking steps that will surely reposition this sector,” The NBTE, Executive Secretary explained.

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