Chidimma Uchegbu, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has said technical education teachers form the bedrock of the country’s educational system, in the Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) and skills development eco-system.
The minister stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, during the annual sensitisation meeting of stakeholders of Technical Teachers Training Programme (TTTP), adding that it is their responsibility to ensure they are empowered to deliver high – quality education that fosters innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
He said the theme, “Developing 21st Century Technical Teachers: Preparing for the Future”, resonates with the Ministry’s vision to revolutionize education for a rapidly changing world.
“As we stand at the threshold of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we recognize the urgent need to equip our Technical Teachers with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
“Today, we gather to reaffirm our commitment to this vital programme and chart a course for its success. To strategically position TTTP, we identified challenges of TVET in both formal and informal sectors.
“The challenges include: Public apathy towards TVET leading to low enrolment in the Technical Schools, inability to review curricula within the five years’ time frame, lack of tools and equipment or obsolete equipment in our colleges, usage of Curricula that is supply-driven instead of demand-driven.
“Others are: Low enrolment of girls child in TVET programmes, low morale of TVET teachers due to poor remuneration, dearth of teaching staff with 21st century pedagogy skills and cognate industry experience relevant for the training of students to meet the needs of employers, lack of effective linkages with industries to facilitate exposure to the use of modern methods, processes and technology.
“We also identified lack of adequate infrastructural support for ICT applications in TVET institutions, lack of political will and legislation on TVET at various levels of governance and inadequate funding for delivery of the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF), among others.
“The TTTP initiative is a beacon of hope for our future skills development and entrepreneurship of our future generation. It embodies our collective vision for better tomorrow. As we move forward, let us remember the power of collaboration and the importance of stakeholders’ engagement.
“Through this programme, we aim to enhance the pedagogical skills of our technical teachers, integrate emerging technologies into teaching and learning, foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders and develop a culture of continuous professional development.”
Also speaking, Director, Technology and Science Education Department, Dr. (Mrs.) Olodo, M.A, said preparing technical teachers for evolving role in the 21st century is key to ensuring that students acquire the skills and competencies they need to succeed in a globally competitive environment.
She said: “This year’s theme resonates deeply with the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing the quality of Technical Education. We are living in an era of rapid technological advancements, and the role of technical education has never been more crucial in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
“The 21st-century teacher is no longer just an instructor but a guide, a mentor, and an innovator. Preparing our technical teachers for this evolving role is key to ensuring that our students acquire the skills and competencies they need to succeed in a globally competitive environment.
“As we gather here today, we acknowledge the critical role our Technical Teachers play in shaping the future of our nation. We recognize that the future of education depends not only on modern infrastructure or curricula but also on the people who impart knowledge; the teachers and there is the need to equip them with the necessary expertise, tools and resources to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic growth and remain at the forefront of education and technology.
“This meeting provides a platform for us to share ideas, experiences, and best practices in Technical Education. Over the next few hours, we will engage in productive discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at transforming our education system and there is the need to emphasize innovation in teaching methods. The use of digital tools, hands-on learning, and industry-driven curriculum should be the key in shaping tomorrow’s technical professionals.
“Let us work together to equip our educators, transform our education system, and build a brighter, more skilled future for our nation,” Tahir said.
