Professor Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s government for placing an unparalleled focus on technical and vocational education.
During an interview with the Nigerian News Agency in Abuja, Bugaje stated that the last couple of years have been pivotal for technical and vocational education and training in Nigeria.
He characterized the Tinubu-led administration’s funding of technical education as “unparalleled in the nation’s history since the civil war.”
Bugaje pointed out that prior to the 1970s, Nigeria experienced considerable advancements and emphasis in the TVET sector; however, this priority diminished during the era of the oil boom when the focus drifted towards skill-oriented education.
These past two years have marked the most significant period for TVET in Nigeria’s history since the Civil War.
Prior to the civil war, numerous advancements occurred within our TVET sector, garnering significant recognition.
“However, due to the oil boom in the 1970s, TVET received little attention. Only recently has the federal government started to recognize its importance,” he stated.
Bugaje also praised Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for introducing extensive programs and advancements in the TVET field.
He characterized Alausa as “a physician deeply knowledgeable about the educational field.”
At first, Bugaje had his doubts about appointing a medical doctor as Minister, thinking instead that someone like an architect or engineer might be more suitable. Nonetheless, he quickly came to understand that medical education involves significant practical components, which have evidently shaped Alausa’s emphasis on honing real-world abilities.
He voiced his optimism that this ongoing progress will continue for the next six years, enabling TVET to take firm root and form a cornerstone for Nigeria’s push towards industrialization.
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