By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and Africa’s leading “Skills Not Degrees” Ambassador, His Excellency Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, delivered a compelling keynote address at the 2nd Regional Conference of the Southern Africa Skills Development and Academic Staff Network (SASASNET), held in Mombasa, Kenya, in 2025.
Speaking in his capacity as the Chair of Chairs, Prof. Bugaje passionately reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the “Skills Not Degrees” campaign across the African continent. He emphasized that skills acquisition, rather than academic credentials alone, remains the most effective driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in Africa.
His remarks struck a chord with delegates and stakeholders from various African countries, as he called for urgent reforms in education systems to prioritize competency-based training and practical learning pathways.
Prof. Bugaje’s visionary leadership continues to position Nigeria—and indeed Africa—at the forefront of the global skills development movement. His participation at the SASASNET conference further strengthens NBTE’s ongoing efforts to align technical and vocational education with the demands of modern industries.
“Africa must invest in skills to unlock the potential of its youthful population,” he stated, adding that “degrees alone will not build our economies—skills will.”
The conference brought together policymakers, academic leaders, and technical education stakeholders, all united in the shared mission to enhance institutional capacity and promote skills-based development across the continent.