Abuja: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) advocates for a strategic approach to Work-Based Learning (WBL) to enhance private sector involvement in Nigeria's agriculture sector. Mr. Mendy Albert, Head of the Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, conveyed this message during a one-day workshop in Abuja focused on promoting private-sector participation in WBL and entrepreneurship in agriculture.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop, themed 'Enhancing WBL and Apprenticeship in Agriculture, Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships for Skills Development and Employability,' was organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nigeria. Mr. Albert, represented by Mr. Manish Joshi, Regional Coordinator of the Better Education for Africa's Rise (BEAR III) project, stated that the gathering aimed to unite key stakeholders to explore strategies that would increase private-sector engagement in the agriculture sector.
"This dialogue is both timely and essential, particularly as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) features prominently in the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government," he said. Albert emphasized that WBL ensures learners acquire industry-relevant skills, preparing them for a seamless transition into meaningful employment. By gaining practical experience, learners become job-ready, innovative, adaptable, and self-reliant.
Albert noted that the success of such efforts hinges on private sector involvement in offering employment and mentorship opportunities. Mr. Namgung Tak, Charg© d'Affair©s of the Republic Korea Embassy in Nigeria, highlighted Korea's long-standing support for TVET across Africa, mentioning the collaborative efforts with UNESCO, ILO, FAO, the African Union, and civil society organizations. He pointed out the BEAR project's impact and its current focus on WBL in Nigeria's agriculture sector.
Mr. Onallo Akpa, Chairman of the Sector Skills Council for Agriculture (SSC4A), praised the workshop's emphasis on agriculture, emphasizing its role in Nigeria's economy. He stressed the importance of active engagement and knowledge acquisition in agriculture practices.
Dr. Muyibat Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, acknowledged the effectiveness of WBL and apprenticeship models in bridging the gap between academic theory and workplace practice. She highlighted the significance of agriculture in Nigeria's economic development and the need for training systems that align with industry needs.
Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive-Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), stressed the importance of policy and curriculum integration, industry-academic partnerships, and reflective practice systems. He outlined that WBL is foundational for developing skills relevant to agriculture TVET, ensuring graduates are equipped for workplace relevance and contributing to Nigeria's agricultural economy.
The BEAR III project, running from 2023 to 2027 in C´te d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, aims to enhance national TVET systems, particularly in strategic sectors, by improving their relevance, quality, and attractiveness.