As more young Nigerians struggle with unemployment, school dropouts and limited access to formal education, the Federal Government says it is paying closer attention to learning that happens beyond traditional classrooms.
That conversation featured at the ongoing World Education Forum in London, where Minister of Education Tunji Alausa said Nigeria is expanding non-formal education as part of efforts to improve employability, create jobs and empower young people.
The minister spoke during a special plenary on the role of non-formal education and soft skills in improving wellbeing, employability and industry participation in education systems. The session was moderated by Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.
According to a statement made available by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, Alausa highlighted ongoing efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand vocational training and digital skills development, while reducing the number of out-of-school children.
For many young Nigerians, especially those unable to complete formal education, non-formal learning often becomes a pathway to practical skills linked to work, entrepreneurship and financial independence.
Alausa said the government is pursuing flexible learning pathways that combine literacy education, technical training and entrepreneurship development to improve employability and economic inclusion.
According to him, Nigeria has introduced several informal education programmes targeting out-of-school youths, adults and vulnerable populations to bridge literacy gaps and integrate marginalised groups into the economy.
He explained that the government developed an Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) to help out-of-school children acquire foundational learning within a shorter period and transition into productive livelihoods.
“What we are doing in Nigeria is because we have a lot of out-of-school children we have to find a way that we can quickly get them a kind of non-formal education,” Alausa said.
“We’ve created a separate curriculum for them called accelerated basic education programme which ties them to what they
should be learning in school,” he added.
The minister also said the government has intensified Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives that provide tuition-free vocational training, stipends and start-up support to close skills gaps and promote entrepreneurship.
He added that the National Policy on Skills Development supports hands-on learning, digital literacy and vocational education for youths and adults outside the formal school system.
Alausa further highlighted efforts to integrate the Almajiri education system with basic education and vocational skills
training to improve inclusion.
“We have infused entrepreneurial training across learning levels to equip learners with innovation and business skills needed for self-reliance,” he said.
The minister added that digital technology training is also being expanded to help prepare young people with future-ready skills.
He also commended Prince Edward for his visit to Nigeria in November 2025 and noted that Nigeria remains an active participant in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation.
Other panelists at the session included Paul Calandra, Raquel Teixeira and Andrea Chakma.
Credit:NAN
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