The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced the imminent approval of 12 new trades under the National Skills Qualifications (NSQ) scheme at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
The trades set to receive approval include woodwork, carpentry and wood joinery, painting, welding and fabrication, cake and soap making, block moulding, tiling, roofing, plumbing, catering, and more. These trades will be incorporated into the NSQ framework, a program designed to enhance skill development across Nigeria.
During a recent facility inspection at the Skill Acquisition Centre of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, the Head of the NBTE inspection team, Engr. Marauk Jarfaru, confirmed that the institution’s workshops are adequately equipped to support training for both youths and undergraduates under the federal government’s National Skills Acquisition scheme.
Jarfaru explained that the National Skills Qualifications Programme is a key initiative aimed at improving skill acquisition nationwide, ensuring that graduates are not only educated but also equipped with practical skills to thrive in the job market.
The inspection team reviewed several workshops at the polytechnic, including those focused on carpentry and wood joinery, paint mixing, welding and fabrication, tiling, electrical work, plumbing, and block moulding. The findings confirmed that the institution is well-prepared to offer comprehensive training in these areas.
Engr. Bode Amobode, a representative of Skill Nigeria, which has partnered with the NBTE to drive the training program across Nigerian polytechnics, highlighted that NBTE is actively supporting the training of assessors at the Skill Acquisition Centre. He revealed that NBTE has secured funding from Tetfund to facilitate the purchase of essential equipment and to cover the costs of training assessors.
Amobode emphasized that the initiative is crucial for tackling unemployment in Nigeria, as many graduates struggle to find jobs in an oversaturated market. “Wise graduates are now opting to learn trades instead of chasing unavailable jobs, and they are earning well from this shift,” he noted.
He further encouraged parents to support their children in pursuing skills that align with their interests. “Skills are the future of the labor market, and it’s essential to allow young people to learn trades they are passionate about. This will lead to self-reliance and economic growth.”
Dr. Moses Umobong, the Rector of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, while welcoming the NBTE inspection team, acknowledged the receipt of N350 million from Tetfund to support the training initiative. He commended the NBTE for its continued support and stressed the importance of skill acquisition in today’s economy.
“Skill acquisition is essential in today’s world, and we are committed to advancing training programs to ensure our youths are equipped with valuable skills for the future,” Dr. Umobong said.
This initiative is expected to significantly reduce unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with practical skills that are in high demand across various industries.
