Skills, Not Just Degrees, Will Define Nigeria’s Future Workforce — Minister

….Reaffirms Support For Skills-Based Education, Creative Media Sector

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing technical and vocational education in Nigeria.

Idris advocated prioritizing skills over paper qualifications.

He spoke in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje, and executives of the Creative Media Sector Skills Council, led by its Chairperson, Hajiya Fatima Haliru.

Idris described the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) as a game-changer for professionals who have acquired expertise through practical experience but lack formal certification.

“The message is clear: skills, not just degrees, will define the future of our workforce. Many of our young people are already talented in areas like photography, cinematography, and digital services. What this framework does is give them the recognition they deserve, opening pathways for higher training, employment, and entrepreneurship,” said Idris.

The minister pledged to work closely with the NBTE and the Council to ensure standardization and certification of skills within the creative sector, noting that this aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He assured that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation would fully collaborate with stakeholders across broadcasting, advertising, and information sectors to raise professional standards, unlock economic opportunities, and empower young Nigerians.

In their response, the delegation led by Professor Bugaje and Hajiya Fatima commended the Ministry for championing the Renewed Hope Agenda and repositioning the information sector. Bugaje explained that the Creative Media Sector Skills Council, established just seven months ago as the 20th in Nigeria, has already developed 24 new qualifications in fields such as audio production, content creation, and photography.

He further emphasized the importance of the Recognition of Prior Learning scheme, which he said would certify informally trained professionals, including apprentices in media and broadcasting, by awarding them nationally recognized NSQ certificates.

According to Hajiya Fatima, “The Council has over 70% private sector participation and is aligning with global best practices to ensure industry drives skill development.”

The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Chinasa Ogbodo; the Director General of the NTA, Malam Abdulhameed Dembos; the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama; the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace; the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali; and the President of the Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU), Prince Emeka Kalu.