The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Fnipr, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting technical and vocational education in Nigeria, stressing the importance of prioritizing skills over paper qualifications.
Idris made this known during a courtesy visit in Abuja 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.
Speaking at the event, Idris described the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) as a major step towards empowering professionals who have gained expertise through practical experience but lack formal certifications.
“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,” he said.
The Minister pledged to work closely with the NBTE and the Council to ensure the standardization and certification of skills within the creative sector. He noted that this move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on job creation, youth empowerment, and economic growth.
Idris assured that the Federal Ministry of Information would collaborate with stakeholders across the broadcast, advertising, and information sectors to raise professional standards, create economic opportunities, and empower Nigeria’s youth to compete globally.
Responding, Professor Bugaje commended the Ministry for supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda and repositioning the information sector. He highlighted that the Creative Media Sector Skills Council, which was established seven months ago as the 20th in Nigeria, has already developed 24 new qualifications in areas like audio production, content creation, and photography.
Bugaje stressed the significance 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.
Hajiya Fatima noted that the Creative Media Sector Skills Council has over 70% private sector involvement and is working in line with global best practices to ensure that industry needs drive skill development.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Chinasa Ogbodo, the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, 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, and the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo.
Others present included the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Malam Ali M. Ali, and the President of the Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union, Prince Emeka Kalu.