TETFund Unveils Plan to Establish 24 Skills and Innovation Centers Nationwide
Written by Deborah Oyinloye on February 28, 2024
The Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has announced its intention to set up more than 24 skills and innovation centres across Nigeria.
According to a statement released by the Fund today, Wednesday, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made this revelation during a visit to Innov8 Hub in Abuja, accompanied by key stakeholders including TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono.
Innov8 Hub serves as a focal point for various activities such as Innovation Start-up Incubation, Technology Transfer, Knowledge & Skill Impartation, as well as Prototype Development and Fabrication.
TETFund is currently collaborating with Innov8 Hub to provide practical training and mentorship for Nigerian youths and academics, aimed at producing employable graduates and enhancing research endeavors.
Minister Mamman emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for all Nigerians, stating, “The plan to establish 24 skills centres across the country is to ensure equal opportunities for all Nigerians wherever they are.”
He commended TETFund and Innov8 Hub for their efforts in providing learners and researchers from Colleges of Education, Polytechnics, and Universities with platforms for practical and impactful research.
Mamman expressed optimism about the potential of such initiatives, saying, “What I have seen here is enough to provide the knowledge incubation to take Nigeria to the highest level.”
He highlighted the role of practical skills in empowering the youth and enabling them to secure decent livelihoods, noting that partnerships between government agencies and private entities like Innov8 Hub are essential for driving innovation and progress in the education sector.
While acknowledging the existing collaboration, Mamman also pointed out the need for increased involvement from industries as off-takers to bridge the gap between research and real-world application.
In promising to advocate for greater industry engagement, Mamman affirmed, “I’m going to bring in some of the big entrepreneurs to come and see this place and also ensure that some of our people in relevant ministry positions come here and see what this place is doing.”
He also pledged to prioritize skills training for young Nigerians, including those from internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps, to equip them with the necessary tools for success.
Author: Deborah Oyinloye
With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.
Jimoh Kafilat On March 6, 2024 at 4:22 pm
This is a very nice idea. It’s helps both the youth and everyone have a skill they do and not stay idle.
Divine Obijuru On March 8, 2024 at 4:33 pm
This would be such a huge help
Oluwafolabomi Fadahunsi On March 11, 2024 at 9:43 am
Great idea
Ademidun Omotayo On March 21, 2024 at 10:08 pm
Thoughtful