FG prioritising skills acquisition, reducing emphasis on paper qualifications — NABTEB registrar

The Nigerian Federal Government is shifting its focus towards skills acquisition, aiming to reduce the overemphasis on paper qualifications and cultivate self-reliance, particularly among young Nigerians. Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, Registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), stated that the initiative is designed to transform graduates from job seekers into job creators and innovators, thereby tackling the nation's unemployment challenges.

"The era we are moving into is one driven by skills, so that I do not need to depend on anybody to give me a job. There must be something I can do on my own to earn a living. That is where we are headed," Mohammed explained. He emphasized that acquiring practical skills is crucial in the current global economy, noting that professional titles are not the sole determinants of earning a living.

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The era we are moving into is one driven by skills, so that I do not need to depend on anybody to give me a job. There must be something I can do on my own to earn a living. That is where we are headed.

Mohammed highlighted that Nigeria must keep pace with other nations in developing technical and vocational skills, with President Bola Tinubu's administration actively promoting such development. He expressed satisfaction with the rising number of candidates for NABTEB examinations, noting a significant improvement from previous years. "Students are becoming more interested in technical subjects, knowing fully well that there is no shortcut to economic development. It is about learning skills that can help you earn a living," he said.

The NABTEB registrar revealed that candidate registration has increased from over 92,000 last year to more than 100,000 this year. He also observed a growing parental interest in technical education, with more parents now encouraging their children to attend technical schools. This shift is partly attributed to the government taking on certain responsibilities previously borne by parents.

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Students are becoming more interested in technical subjects, knowing fully well that there is no shortcut to economic development. It is about learning skills that can help you earn a living.