A new wave of skilled educators is set to reshape technical education in Nigeria’s North-East, following the completion of a rigorous training programme for 250 teachers and instructors.
The 21-day intensive workshop, held in Gombe, saw 250 instructors sharpen their abilities in digital literacy, hands-on trade skills, and modern teaching methods.
The training was part of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project—a World Bank-supported effort managed by the Federal Ministry of Education to improve vocational education across the country.
At the event’s closing ceremony, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by Dr. Muibat Olodo, stressed the need for a future-ready workforce. He noted that as global industries shift toward tech-driven processes, education systems must adapt accordingly. “Technical education is not optional—it’s a necessity for development,” he said.
The IDEAS Project is built to address skill shortages and modernize teaching across trade disciplines. Participants in the recent training covered a broad range of areas, from auto tech and garment production to hospitality, agriculture, and construction. Modules on entrepreneurship and digital tools were also included to keep lessons aligned with current market realities.
IDEAS Project Coordinator, Mrs. Blessing Ugu, emphasized that this effort was just the beginning. She called on trainees to actively apply what they’ve learned and share it with peers back in their respective schools. “It’s not just about improving classrooms—it’s about empowering communities,” she said.
She added that many schools involved in the program have also received critical upgrades, including perimeter fencing and enhanced security, to ensure safer learning environments.
Gombe State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, praised the initiative, calling it a timely boost for education in the region. She expressed her state’s willingness to deepen collaboration with the Federal Ministry to scale up the program’s success.
With youth unemployment remaining a pressing issue, stakeholders are hopeful that this investment in teacher training will help shift the tide—one skill at a time.
