FG TARGETS 10 MILLION CERTIFIED NIGERIANS BY 2030

The Federal Government says it is working to produce 10 million globally certified Nigerians and create one million export-linked jobs by 2030 through reforms in education and skills development.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this at the “Hire From Nigeria” side event held on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Alausa said the ministry was developing a talent pipeline linked directly to global employment opportunities through the National Talent Export Programme.

He said Nigeria’s education and skills system was being repositioned to produce trained, certified and adaptable workers capable of competing in the global outsourcing and digital services market.

The minister identified gaps between training and employer demands, limited work-based learning and inadequate access to internationally recognised certification as challenges being addressed.

He said more than one million applications had been received for the Federal Government’s free TVET programme, while 160,000 trainees had been supported through about 1,200 centres across the country.

The government is also expanding digital training and partnerships with international learning providers, while promoting university education, TVET, apprenticeships and continuous upskilling.

Alausa said the reforms were intended to connect Nigerian talent to employment opportunities locally and internationally.