The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to promote technical and vocational training as part of measures to prioritize skills over paper qualifications.
The pledge was made in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a courtesy call by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje, and executives of the Creative Media Sector Skills Council led by its Chairperson, Hajiya Fatima Haliru.
The minister stressed that skills, rather than degrees, will determine the future of Nigeria’s workforce. He noted that many young people are already gifted in fields such as photography, cinematography, and digital services, adding that the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) will recognize these competencies and provide access to advanced training, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Idris said the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme under the NSQF offers fresh opportunities for artisans and professionals who acquired expertise through practice but have no formal certification.
He assured that his ministry would work with NBTE and the Creative Media Sector Skills Council to standardize and certify competencies in the creative industry in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Idris added that the ministry would also partner with stakeholders across broadcasting, advertising, and information services to uplift professional standards, widen economic opportunities, and empower the youth.
In their remarks, the delegation praised the ministry’s role in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda. Professor Bugaje disclosed that the Creative Media Sector Skills Council, established only seven months ago as the 20th in the country, had already produced 24 new qualifications in disciplines such as audio production, content creation, and photography.
He emphasized that the RPL scheme is designed to certify practitioners in media and broadcasting, including apprentices, through nationally recognized NSQ certificates.
Hajiya Fatima noted that the Council has over 70 per cent private sector involvement and is aligning with global best practices to ensure industry-driven skill development.
The event drew senior officials and media executives, including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Chinasa Ogbodo; Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Malam Abdulhameed Dembos; Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama; Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali; and the President of RATTAWU, Prince Emeka Kalu.
