The challenges of youth unemployment in Nigeria remain a major concern, with Kogi State among the regions grappling with the socio-economic consequences of idle and unskilled young people. However, a glimmer of hope is emerging through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Through this programme, Kogi State now boasts registered Skills Training Centres and accredited Mastercraft persons, recently granted approval to operate as part of Nigeria’s wider strategy to close the skills gap. This marks a turning point for young people in the state, who can now access structured and certified skills training that goes beyond informal apprenticeship.
TVET is not just about education—it is about empowerment, employability, and dignity. It gives that boy in Ankpa or that girl in Okene the opportunity to proudly say: “I have a skill. I can build. I can earn. I can succeed.”
As the world of work evolves, Nigeria cannot afford to continue importing skilled labour, as was the case during the construction of Dangote Refinery, when workers from India, Pakistan, and China filled critical roles that Nigerian youths could have taken on. With TVET, Kogi has the potential to reverse this trend and build a pool of homegrown skilled professionals capable of driving industrial growth, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
This effort must not be left to the Federal Government alone. State stakeholders must rally around the initiative. The Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, the State Technical and Science Education Board (STETSCOM), and the Kogi State Ministry of Education should intensify collaboration to ensure that the registered Skills Training Centres and Mastercraft persons in the state are properly supported, monitored, and integrated into the national framework.
Beyond policy, there is an urgent need for public-private partnerships to provide funding, infrastructure, and mentorship for these training centres. Civil society, community leaders, and industries must also step in to create a robust ecosystem where young people can acquire, practice, and monetize their skills.
If properly harnessed, the TVET initiative can become a transformative tool not only for reducing unemployment but also for positioning Kogi as a hub for skilled manpower in Nigeria.
The future of the state—and indeed Nigeria—depends on how we empower our youths today. The time to act is now.
– Moses Emani Salami
