The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, addressed Provosts and Rectors from Federal Colleges of Education, Federal Polytechnics, and allied institutions at a key meeting held on Monday, 13th January 2025, at the Federal Ministry of Education Headquarters in Abuja.
The gathering provided a platform to discuss the nation’s education challenges and align institutional efforts with the Federal Ministry of Education’s priorities.
EDITOR’S PICKS
In his opening remarks, Dr. Alausa emphasized the critical role of these institutions in achieving the Ministry’s goals.
He pointed out that the leadership of these institutions is pivotal in ensuring that Nigeria’s education system produces graduates equipped with relevant skills for the workforce.
One of the core priorities highlighted by the Minister was the revitalization of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Dr. Alausa outlined the Ministry’s strategy to prioritize practical training over theoretical education, following the Pareto principle (80/20 rule).
He stressed that TVET should prepare students for careers in high-impact sectors such as ICT, carpentry, electrical installations, and advanced manufacturing. This approach aims to address the low enrollment rates in technical institutions while producing graduates with market-relevant skills that support Nigeria’s industrialization efforts.
The Ministry’s partnerships with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and NELFUND were also discussed.
These collaborations will provide funding, resources, and internship opportunities to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability, thereby supporting the broader agenda of economic diversification and sustainable development.
In addition to TVET, Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of enhancing education quality assurance, particularly in teacher production, development, and professionalism.
He urged Federal Colleges of Education to lead the way in implementing rigorous pre-service training and continuous professional development programs for teachers.
The Minister also highlighted the need for Polytechnics and Allied Institutions to focus on developing technical instructors who are equipped with modern pedagogical skills to meet global standards.
Dr. Alausa underscored the importance of collaboration with Governing Councils in overseeing the administration of these institutions.
He stressed that both Rectors/Provosts and the Governing Councils must work in harmony to ensure proper management, academic excellence, and institutional accountability.
The Minister warned that any disregard for lawful instructions from the Governing Councils would not be tolerated, emphasizing that disagreements should be handled professionally, with the Ministry stepping in if necessary.
Dr. Alausa presented several strategic tasks for Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to improve and grow their institutions.
These include aligning education with national needs by updating curricula to address challenges such as renewable energy, ICT, and climate change, as well as collaborating with industries to provide practical experience for students through internships and apprenticeship programs.
Another priority was the integration of agricultural education and food security into TVET programs. Dr. Alausa urged institutions with agricultural departments to establish farms and agritech centers to help students learn modern farming techniques and food processing innovations. He also encouraged collaboration with local communities to enhance food production, especially in areas such as poultry farming.
The Minister also called for regular training and workshops for both academic and non-academic staff to improve their technical and pedagogical skills. He highlighted the importance of investing in digital tools and infrastructure to enhance teaching and administrative efficiency.
In terms of research, Dr. Alausa encouraged institutions to establish centers of excellence focused on key areas like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
He urged them to collaborate with industries to secure funding and identify research needs that address national priorities, including renewable energy and infrastructure.
Dr. Alausa concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to supporting these institutions.
He assured the Provosts and Rectors that the Ministry would maintain an open-door policy to foster collaboration, address challenges, and optimize resource utilization.
The Minister emphasized that by working together with the Governing Councils, institutional leadership, and other stakeholders, Nigeria’s education system can achieve excellence and contribute to the nation’s development.
The meeting ended on a note of optimism, with Dr. Alausa expressing confidence that the discussions would lead to practical solutions that would propel the nation’s education system forward.
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