As Nigeria seeks to address unemployment and prepare its workforce for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy, the institutionalization of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has become not only a national priority but an economic imperative. From 14th to 15th October 2025, key leaders and stakeholders gathered at Bon Hotel Elvis, Abuja, for the National Multi-Stakeholder Public Dialogue on Institutionalizing TVET and Apprenticeship Systems for Sustainable Employment and Employability in Nigeria. The dialogue was organized by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the GIZ-funded SKYE II Programme.
The event created a strategic platform for collaboration across government, the private sector, workers’ organizations, youth networks, and development partners. Discussions focused on transforming Nigeria’s TVET landscape into a driver of inclusive growth, productivity, and decent employment.
Why This Dialogue Matters
With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under 30, the country stands at a demographic crossroads. While youth unemployment and skills mismatch continue to hinder economic progress, TVET and structured apprenticeship programs present a sustainable pathway to job creation, entrepreneurship, and industrial growth. The dialogue emphasized that institutionalizing TVET is critical to equipping Nigeria’s workforce with future-ready skills in areas such as green technology, digital innovation, manufacturing, and creative industries.
Highlights from Global and Regional Best Practices
Experts from the ILO, including Karin Toumi and Frank Adetor, presented globally recognized strategies on quality apprenticeship and reforms. Their insights reinforced the need for:
- A harmonized national skill qualification framework
- Sustainable funding and incentive mechanisms
- Effective monitoring and evaluation systems
- Inclusive policy implementation that leaves no demographic behind
Frank Adetor stressed that Ghana’s successful TVET reform journey was referenced as a notable case study demonstrating the impact of political commitment, private sector participation, and clearly defined institutional roles.
Youth Participation at the Forefront
One of the most impactful aspects of the dialogue was the active involvement of young professionals. Lasisi Godwin, a Youth Activators Lab (YAL) Champion 2024 Cohort, delivered strong advocacy points on youth inclusion in national policy formulation. During the breakout session, I also actively contributed by serving as a rapporteur for two groups . In on of the grous which foucsed on Curriculum Modernization. I supported the documentation of key discussions and later presented on behalf of my group, summarizing critical findings, challenges, and proposed solutions to ensure Nigeria’s TVET curriculum remains responsive to emerging technologies and evolving labour market demands. Our contributions reinforced the fact that the long-term sustainability of labour market reforms depends on integrating young voices into every stage, from design to implementation.
Key Takeaways
- The future of Nigeria’s workforce depends on modernizing TVET systems to reflect emerging industries and global best practices.
- Partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society are critical to closing the skills gap.
- Apprenticeship models must be demand-driven, inclusive, and sustainably financed.
- Youth engagement is not optional, it is central to shaping a future-ready workforce.
Recommendations Moving Forward
- Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships to scale apprenticeship opportunities and align training with real industry needs.
- Institutionalize Inclusive Practices to ensure women, youths, and persons with disabilities have equitable access to TVET programs.
- Invest in Curriculum Innovation by integrating digital, environmental, and entrepreneurial competencies.
- Enhance Policy Awareness through nationwide sensitization and stakeholder engagement.
Conclusion
The National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue marked a pivotal step toward transforming Nigeria’s TVET and apprenticeship ecosystem into a global model for youth empowerment and economic resilience. With strong political will, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and sustained investment, Nigeria is well-positioned to unlock the full potential of its workforce and build a future anchored on skills, innovation, and decent work.
This dialogue not only charted a clear pathway forward, it reinforced the urgent need for collaboration, innovation, and youth leadership in building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready labour system.
