Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
The Director of Training and Programs at The Progressive Institute (TPI), Dr. Muhammad Sunusi Sa’idu Kiru, delivered a powerful speech at the recently concluded three-day National Conference on Skills Acquisition in Abuja.
He outlined a vision that positions the institute at the forefront of Nigeria’s efforts to combat unemployment and equip its youth for a competitive global economy.
TPI, the governing party’s recently established think tank and intellectual resource, has assumed a critical role in crafting policies with an immediate impact on national development. The institute’s mission extends beyond research and ideation, Dr. Kiru emphasized. Its objective is to foster direct engagement with the Nigerian populace to understand their challenges and develop practical solutions.
“Our approach is deeply rooted in community engagement and evidence-based policy recommendations. By bringing together diverse perspectives, conducting thorough research, and understanding public needs, we ensure that our recommendations and programs resonate with the realities faced by Nigerians,” Dr. Kiru stated.
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He elaborated that these centers would equip young people with skills in high-demand professions while also offering courses to develop entrepreneurial capabilities, enabling graduates to start their own businesses. The program aligns with global trends that highlight skill-based economies as drivers of innovation and prosperity.
“The creation of mega skills acquisition centers in each geopolitical zone will empower youths with the practical skills they need to become self-sufficient, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive,” Dr. Kiru remarked.
Additionally, Dr. Kiru stressed the need for collaboration among ministries and government agencies to ensure the effective and coordinated implementation of skills acquisition initiatives.
“We need an inter-ministerial framework that aligns our collective goals and resources. Such a model would enhance resource allocation and improve the outcomes of existing skills development programs while creating pathways for scalability and sustainability,” he proposed.
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Recently, TPI received an invitation to attend the Annual Conference in Beijing, China, in 2024—a testament to its rapid rise as a leading intellectual hub in Africa. This milestone presents an opportunity to network with global policy experts and explore innovative practices in skills development.
Following the invitation, Dr. Kiru traveled to China, where he emphasized that attending the conference underscores the importance of such initiatives on a global scale. He noted that the interaction would not only broaden horizons but also position Nigeria as a key player in promoting regional and global collaboration.
The three-day National Conference in Abuja served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for building a skills-based economy. Under the theme “Rethinking Skills for the Future,” eight critical sub-themes were explored:
1. Building the foundation for a skilled economy
2. Rethinking education: Balancing skills and academics
3. Identifying key skills for the future of work
4. Industry-specific skills development initiatives
5. Policy and investment in skills development
6. Breaking down barriers to skills access
7. Success stories: Case studies of skills leading to prosperity
8. Roadmap for Nigeria’s skills-based economy
This comprehensive approach reflects TPI’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s transformation into a skills-based, globally competitive economy.
