*Nigerian lawmakers, policymakers, and education stakeholders seek urgent reforms to integrate practical skills and entrepreneurship into the education system, emphasising the need to prioritise human capital development over dependence on natural resources

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

As part of efforts at curbing the increasing youth unemployment, Nigerian lawmakers, policymakers, and education stakeholders have urged urgent reforms to integrate practical skills and entrepreneurship into the country’s education system.

The stakeholders made the call Monday, July 28, 2025, at the 2025 Uwais-Maiwada Aid Foundation (UMAF) Impact Forum, in Abuja, FCT.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister for Education

The theme of the event was 鈥淏uilding Opportunities: Education, Enterprise, and Empowerment for the New Nigeria鈥�.

In his keynote address, former Governor (Chief) Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State, South-South region, emphasised the need to prioritise human capital development over dependence on natural resources.

Chief Sylva said: 鈥淎 resource that is not developed cannot be of much value to the nation, the number of out-of-school children is mounting across the country, fuelled by insecurity, poverty and ignorance.

鈥淭his is not a northern or southern problem; it is a Nigerian problem, and we must all take collective responsibility in solving it.”

He also cautioned that national unity should be hinged on shared responsibility and inclusion, urging Nigerians to see the education crisis in any part of the country as a shared concern, agency report stated.

The need to align education with real-world demands, by UMAF Executive Secretary

In his address on the occasion, Mr. Uwais Maiwada, Executive Secretary of UMAF, said the forum aimed to shift conversations from problems to solutions, especially in bridging the gap between traditional learning and practical skills.

Maiwada said: 鈥淭oday, we are here not just to discuss challenges but to share innovative approaches that can unlock the potential of education to empower individuals and enterprises.

The Executive Secretary of UMAF also noted that aligning education with real-world demands was crucial to building a future where Nigerian youth can thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Earlier, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on TETFund, Rep. Miriam Onuoha, had commended the Foundation鈥檚 impact and pledged continued collaboration through enabling laws and oversight.

Onuoha highlighted the TETFund Innovate Programme and the TVET Scheme as crucial government interventions aimed at equipping young Nigerians with hands-on training, infrastructure support and access to startup funding.

She also stated: 鈥淎s a legislator, I am committed to supporting programmes that prioritise skills and empowerment, especially for women. When you empower a woman, you empower a nation.”

In his remarks also, Rep. Mark Useni, Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education, said reversing the out-of-school trend would require the collective action of all Nigerians.

Useni said: 鈥淔or us to sleep peacefully, we must ensure that every child is educated.

鈥淭he Foundation鈥檚 work aligns with the national call to action, and I urge all stakeholders to support this vision.”

Mr. Mu鈥檃zu Sambo, ex-Minister for Transportation, warned that Nigeria鈥檚 youthful population, over 70 percent of whom are under 35, could become a liability, if not productively engaged.

With Nigeria’s population estimates projected to reach over 260 million by 2030 and 400 million by 2050, Sambo said the mismatch between education and labour market needs had become more urgent in the economy.

He explained: 鈥淥ur graduates are largely unemployable because they lack practical capabilities. Degrees provide theory, but skills drive execution.

鈥淲e must embed digital skills, innovation, and problem-solving into the curriculum.”

The Forum stressed the need for stronger partnerships among government, the private sector, and civil society to drive an education reforms agenda that builds a skilled, inclusive, and competitive workforce for Nigeria鈥檚 future, report said.

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