By Ngozi Nwankwo
In a landmark collaborative effort aimed at advancing skills development and bridging the gap between education and industry, the Ministry of Education and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry,ACCI, have joined forces to drive socio-economic growth in Nigeria.
This collaboration was highlighted at a meeting the Ministry of Education, led by Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, where key stakeholders convened to discuss strategies for enhancing practical skills integration into formal Education.
Mamman emphasised the pivotal role of the Private Sector in Nigeria’s educational landscape, urging Private Universities to offer distinct Programs to complement Public Institutions.
He lauded the initiative of the ACCI International University, which aligns with the goals of providing practical skills and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement for economic growth.
The Minister commended the work of the BEST Centre in promoting skills development, echoing the Ministry’s commitment to integrating practical skills from Primary to Tertiary levels.
Also, the Minister of State for Education Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, reiterated the significance of securing funds from both Public and Private sources to support Research and Development endeavors, particularly in combating COVID-19 and improving Economic activities.
He emphasised the need for local utilization of Research findings and products to enhance industrial growth, urging increased uptake of locally produced solutions.
Speaking, the President of the ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu emphasised the Chamber’s commitment to enhancing skills training and entrepreneurship through collaboration with the Government.
Obegolu proposed partnerships with the Ministry of Education to promote innovation and investment in Educational infrastructure, highlighting the establishment of the ACCI Continental University dedicated to advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Also, the former President of the ACCI, Prince Adetokunbo stressed the importance of mainstreaming skills development into the regular university curriculum to create a globally competitive workforce.
Adetokunbo emphasised collaboration between the Private Sector and Government to implement policies supporting skills training and entrepreneurship, particularly for young Nigerians.
On her own, the Director of the BEST Centre, Dr. Atinuke Temitope outlined ongoing initiatives focused on skills development, including vocational training programs certified by NACTE and collaborations with international partners to develop occupational profiles.
She emphasized the center’s commitment to Gender and disability inclusion in technical vocational Education and called for further support to expand these initiatives.
The collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Education and the ACCI signify a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s socioeconomic development goals by empowering its workforce with relevant skills and knowledge. This partnership underscores the importance of Public-Private cooperation in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
