The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Idris Bugaje, has praised the Ogun State Government for its proactive investments in technical and vocational education, describing the state as a model for others in tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and expanding economic opportunities through skills training.
Bugaje, represented by the Director of Curriculum Development, Musa Koko, made the commendation during the opening ceremony of the Critique and Validation Workshop for six National Occupational Standards and the final critique for five National Technical Certificates held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Communication Officer of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Mrs. Simbo Olayinka, Bugaje applauded the state for leading efforts to assess industry needs and tailor technical education accordingly, under the World Bank-assisted OGSTEP initiative.
“Ogun State deserves a pat on the back for the significant strides in the development of its technical and vocational education. The state’s proactive approach serves as a model for others and aligns with the NBTE’s mandate to empower Nigerians with skills that enable self-reliance and job creation,” Bugaje stated.
The five-day workshop brought together industry experts, policymakers, educators, and development partners to review and refine technical curricula. Among the standards under review is Adire Making, an indigenous textile craft that has gained global recognition as both a cultural symbol and an emerging economic driver.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Moriamo Oloko, represented by Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Temitope Lasilo, said the state was proud to host the initiative, describing it as a cornerstone of curriculum modernisation.
“We are aligning technical education with today’s labour market and emerging cultural trends. Adire, for example, represents the fusion of tradition and innovation,” she said, urging participants to ensure the updated curricula meet industry expectations.
OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, reiterated the state’s commitment to revamping technical education as part of a broader plan to equip youths with in-demand skills. She revealed that OGSTEP had already rehabilitated 158 buildings in the state’s eight government-owned technical colleges and was actively furnishing laboratories and workshops to boost hands-on training.
“Our intervention goes beyond physical infrastructure. We’ve trained instructors in specific trades, upgraded non-formal education programmes, and are now aligning our curricula with modern industry standards,” Owo-Odusi noted.
Also speaking, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board (OGSTVEB), Mrs. Mojisola Adenowo, disclosed that several new trades had been introduced into the curriculum. These include:
- Construction/Ornamental Craft
- Embellishment Craft
- Automation/Mechatronics Craft
- Agronomy Craft
- Fashion/Textile Machine Repair Craft
- Adire Making Craft
She acknowledged OGSTEP’s role in providing capacity building, infrastructure, and equipment, stressing that the ongoing workshop would enhance the relevance of technical education and better prepare graduates for the demands of today’s industries.
The Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and former Acting Executive Secretary of OGSTVEB, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, urged all stakeholders to stay committed to the process, adding that their contributions would help build a workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s sustainable development.
The Ogun State government’s commitment to modernising vocational education continues to attract national attention as it seeks to create a future-ready, skills-driven economy.
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