By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has emphasised the importance of technical education as a cornerstone for building a prosperous and resilient nation.
Speaking at the South-West Regional Technical Education Providers Forum on Tuesday, Hamzat called for regional collaboration to reform and advance technical education in order to tackle youth unemployment and bridge the skill gaps in the labour market.
The forum, which brought together representatives from six South-West states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti—focused on formulating policies that would align technical and vocational education training (TVET) with modern industry demands.
Hamzat emphasised that a strong foundation in technical education is essential for preparing the workforce to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.
“If we truly want to build a prosperous and resilient nation, we must leverage technical education,” Hamzat said.
His remarks highlight the increasing need for a skilled workforce capable of navigating the digital age, while also addressing the manual and technical skills gaps that persist within the economy.
He called on the South-West states to create a unified regional framework for TVET, ensuring consistency and quality across the region.
“The region must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, and this requires bold reforms,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor also addressed the need to make technical education more accessible to marginalised groups, including women, people with disabilities, and those from rural areas. He stressed that TVET should be made attractive not only to the general population but also to affluent families, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
In Lagos, the state government has already made significant strides in promoting technical education.
Hamzat highlighted the success of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), which has benefitted over 10,000 students through its programmes.
He noted that Lagos currently operates vocational colleges across its five divisions—Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe, and Lagos Island—providing students with ample opportunities to acquire hands-on skills that are essential in today’s economy.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, also spoke at the forum, stressing the critical role of empowering technical education providers.
He argued that empowering educators and aligning education policies with industry trends would help create a skilled labour market capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
“Empowering technical education providers is vital to building a skilled workforce that will propel economic development,” Alli-Balogun said.
The Executive Secretary of LASTVEB, Ms. Moronke Azeez, also echoed the importance of improving technical education in the South-West region to ensure the future employability of young people.
She urged stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to collaborate in advancing TVET to create a skilled workforce that is competitive on both a national and global scale.
“By investing in formal technical education, we can help young people avoid the path of aimlessness and instead equip them with the skills necessary for meaningful employment,” Azeez said.