By Kabiru Haruna AD Press, Federal Ministry of Education
The appointment of Professor Idris M. Bugaje as the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been a game-changer for Nigeria’s technical education sector. As an Emeritus Professor with a wealth of experience and initiatives, Professor Bugaje has brought a new lease of life to the NBTE, transforming it into a hub of innovation and skills development.
With his calculative and energetic approach, Professor Bugaje has superceded the helm of affairs at the NBTE, pouring skills gap links to many young people and establishing countless Technical Colleges of Education and Skills Acquisition Centers across the Federation. His initiatives have bridged the skills gap, empowered young Nigerians, and contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth.
Professor Bugaje’s leadership has been marked by numerous achievements, including the development of a national framework for Open and Distance Learning (ODL), training of over 500 Computer Science lecturers, and hosting the pioneering Teacher-in-the-Loop AI (TiL-AI) workshop in Kaduna. He has also introduced the Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ) scheme, which assures a complete and comprehensive set of skills for graduates, increasing their employability and adaptability.
Through strategic collaborations with international partners, such as the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and the ERYK Group in Denmark and Poland, Professor Bugaje has provided Nigerian polytechnic graduates with advanced technical training and industrial placements in Europe. His efforts have positioned Nigeria as a hub for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Africa, earning him recognition as one of Africa’s most visionary leaders in technical and vocational education.
Professor Bugaje’s vision for technical education is anchored on empowering Nigerian youths with industry-relevant skills, particularly in sectors like construction, transportation, and oil and gas. His revamped TVET initiative offers free tuition, accommodation, feeding, and monthly stipends to students, with the government covering costs for industrial attachments.
As Professor Bugaje continues to drive Nigeria’s technical education agenda, his legacy is expected to inspire a new generation of skilled professionals, contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.