Photo caption: NACCIMA logo
By Charles Okonji
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in conjunction with the Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) and other stakeholders have on Tuesday in Lagos gathered to advance the achievement of $1trn economy through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
In his welcome address, the NACCIMA President, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, who was represented by Asiwaju (Dr.) Michael Olawale-Cole, MFR, CON, 2nd Deputy Vice President, NACCIMA, noted that a significant proportion of Nigeria’s workforce (over 90 percent) is engaged in informal or vulnerable employment, often lacking productivity, stability, and growth potential.
He stated that youth unemployment and underemployment remain persistent, with many young Nigerians unable to transition effectively from education into meaningful work, adding that the problem is not merely a labour market issue; but a structural economic challenge, which is why TVET must take centre stage.
“Globally, economies that have successfully industrialized and sustained growth have done so on the backbone of strong technical and vocational systems, systems that are demand-driven, industry-led, and innovation-oriented.
“In Nigeria, however, the story has been different. For too long, our education and training systems have not sufficiently aligned with the needs of the real economy. As a result, we continue to produce graduates who are qualified on paper, but not adequately equipped with the practical, technical, and entrepreneurial skills required in today’s workplace.
“Evidence continues to show that TVET remains one of the most effective tools for addressing youth unemployment, improving livelihoods, and enhancing national productivity. But for TVET to truly deliver impact, it must be repositioned.
“At NACCIMA, we strongly believe that the private sector must not sit on the sidelines of this transformation. As the primary consumers of skills, the Organized Private Sector must play a leading role in Defining occupational standards and competency frameworks, Supporting apprenticeship and work-based learning systems, Co-creating curricula that reflect current and future industry needs and Investing in skills development as a strategic priority.” The NACCIMA President averred.
In his Keynote address, “Positioning NACCIMA and the OPSN as a primary anchor for Employers Coordination and Industry Led TVET Implementation”, the 1st Deputy President, Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Professor Adesoji Adesugba expressed that Nigeria cannot build effective TVET without institutionalizee employers coordination, adding that NACCIMA working with other OPSN members was the best position to anchor the coordination.
Professor Adesugba noted that Nigaria lacked coordinating mechanism for employers voice, which NACCIMA has stepped in to fill the gap.
He said, emphasized that TVET systems are effective only when employers are structurally embedded in governance and implementation.
Effective TVET systems depend on strong collaboration between industry and regulatory institutions.
“Past collaborations between NACCIMA, OPSN, ACCI BEST Centre, and development partners have demonstrated that when employers and regulators work together, stronger standards and more relevant qualifications emerges.
“To drive drive Industry-Led Training Implementation, he said; “The Proposed NACCIMA TVET Centre is a strategic step forward, not duplicating existing efforts, but complementing and strengthening the ecosystem with a strong industry lens.
“Competency-Based Training (CBT) is to promote training that delivers verifiable, transferable competencies aligned with real workplace requirements not just certificates.
“Structured Workplace Learning is designed to facilitate industry exposure and structured placements, connecting learners with employers for hands-on experience, while Polytechnic & Provider Collaboration is to strengthen collaboration with polytechnics and accredited training providers to expand reach and accreditation pathways.”Professor Adesugba noted.
On his part Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’allah – Chairman, Education Committee, NACCIMA, stated that Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey, adding that as the nation aspires toward a $1 trillion economy, the central question we must cnfront is: Do we have the workforce required to drive this ambition?
According to him; “The Current data suggests a widening gap, as youth unemployment and underemployment remain significant, while employers consistently report difficulties in recruiting workers with job-ready technical and vocational skills. At the same time, global projections indicate that by 2030, over 50% of jobs will require intermediate technical skills, many of which fall squarely within the domain of TVET.
“Nigeria has made important policy strides in this area. Frameworks such as the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), the National Policy on Education, and ongoing reforms led by agencies like NBTE, ITF, and the National Skills Development Council (NSDC) are critical building blocks.
“We must move from fragmented interventions to a coherent, demand-driven, and industry-aligned TVET system, where: Qualifications reflect competency and not just certification, Training aligns with labour market demand, and graduates are equipped with practical, employable skills.”
In her submissions, Dr Tinuke Temitope, Director, Businesses and Entrepreneurship Centre, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the programme organised by NACCIMA to bring bring OPSN and other stakeholders together including those involved with TVET activities brainstorm and chat positive ways forward.
Dr Temitope insisted that this particular event was to provide solutions, and to also explain to the private sector, the importance of embracing TVET.
She posted out that the private sector can not do without vocational education.
