Introduction to Nigeria’s Informal Training Hubs
The Federal Government plans to formally recognise Nigeria’s informal training hubs, including the Panteka centres in Kaduna, Jos and other cities. These centres will be integrated into the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to equip Nigerian youths with practical, employable skills.
Background and Objectives
The announcement was made on Friday during an engagement meeting between the Minister of Education and the National Association of Pantekas in Abuja. Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, revealed that the Kaduna Panteka had already been registered under the NSQF, with support from Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani. The state government has commenced infrastructure upgrades, including roads, ICT centres, a clinic, fire service, and water systems.
Impact of Panteka Centres
Kaduna Panteka is one of the oldest and most vibrant informal industries in Nigeria. Every week, even during COVID-19, trailers of their products were shipped to Niger and Mali. More than 38,000 apprentices are currently being trained at Kaduna Panteka, more than the student population of Kaduna Polytechnic, underscoring its impact on youth empowerment and crime reduction. Bugaje called for formal recognition of Panteka and similar hubs as national training centres. He also urged the creation of a dedicated budget line to equip them with modern tools, enabling them to compete globally in innovation and manufacturing.
Government Support and Funding
In response, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, pledged support for TVET centres across the country. He announced a results-based funding model where accredited centres would receive N45,000 per trained student, disbursed in three tranches, 40 per cent, 30 per cent, and 30 per cent, to ensure accountability. The government has already accredited 308 centres. Once accreditation is secured, the government will fund every student trained. Graduates will also receive starter packs to help them launch businesses or join the workforce.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
To reduce barriers to access, Alausa said the government will subsidise accreditation costs, provide stipends, and offer transport support to students to ensure inclusivity regardless of financial background. This approach not only trains youths but creates direct pathways to employment. The goal is to revive Nigeria’s strong tradition of skilled technical manpower.
Reaction from Panteka National President
Panteka National President, Nasiru Adamu, applauded the government’s recognition of Panteka’s role in job creation and poverty alleviation. He urged further government support, including acceptance of NSQF certificates earned at Panteka centres and curriculum revisions to reflect the training offered at those informal hubs.
Conclusion
The formal recognition of Nigeria’s informal training hubs, such as the Panteka centres, is a significant step towards promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country. With government support and funding, these centres can play a crucial role in equipping Nigerian youths with practical, employable skills, thereby reducing unemployment, insecurity, and poverty.
FAQs
- What is the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)?
The Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) is a framework that integrates informal training hubs, such as the Panteka centres, into the national skills qualification system. - How many apprentices are currently being trained at Kaduna Panteka?
More than 38,000 apprentices are currently being trained at Kaduna Panteka. - What is the results-based funding model announced by the Minister of Education?
The results-based funding model provides N45,000 per trained student, disbursed in three tranches, 40 per cent, 30 per cent, and 30 per cent, to ensure accountability. - What support will the government provide to students to ensure inclusivity?
The government will subsidise accreditation costs, provide stipends, and offer transport support to students to ensure inclusivity regardless of financial background.
