As part of efforts to advance Priority 2 (Technical and Vocational Education and Training – TVET) under the Federal Ministry of Education’s six-point agenda, a ministerial delegation visited the Odoragushin Campus of Yaba College of Technology in Eredo, Epe Local Government Area, Lagos, over the weekend.
The campus, which hosts three key faculties—the School of Technical Education, the School of Agriculture, and the School of Tourism—was the focal point for discussions on strategies to bolster Nigeria’s food security and address critical gaps in the education sector.
During the visit, the education minister,Dr Tunji Alausa emphasised the need for polytechnics and universities with agricultural departments to establish mechanised farms and engage in livestock farming. Highlighting the country’s growing food insecurity, the minister noted that such initiatives would provide agriculture students with essential hands-on training and prepare them for life after graduation.
“These initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to enhance food security and expand food production. By equipping students with practical agricultural skills, we are also contributing to the nation’s development,” he stated.
The visit also sought to explore partnerships with Yaba Tech in preparation for the launch of the Federal Ministry of Education’s TVET programme, scheduled for the second quarter of 2025. A key focus of this initiative is addressing the shortage of skilled teachers in the education sector.
The minister revealed plans to collaborate with Yaba Tech to train instructors for Skills Technical Centres, Vocational Enterprise Institutes, and Federal Technical Colleges. “Yaba Tech’s expertise and infrastructure make it an ideal partner for producing highly skilled educators who can drive our vocational training agenda,” the minister explained.
The delegation expressed appreciation to Professor Funsho Isola-Owa Afolabi, Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba Tech, and Dr Engineer Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, Rector of Yaba Tech, for their warm reception and insightful contributions. Senior members of the college’s leadership team were also commended for dedicating their time during the holiday season to engage in discussions.
The minister described the visit as “both fruitful and thought-provoking,” underscoring the vital role of TVET in addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges and preparing the workforce for a more resilient future.
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