Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kaduna Polytechnic on the development of curriculum, teaching manuals and training of teachers of vocational schools.
Dr Hammid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of the Commission, stated this at the inauguration of UBEC Junior Secondary and Vocational School, Miri, on Saturday in Bauchi.
Bobboyi said the agreement was between the commission and the polytechnic to facilitate application of techniques to enhance learning process in the vocational schools.
“The MoU is to develop relevant curriculum, produce teaching manuals, train technical education teachers and monitors for the effective take off of the programme.
“The first training of the shortlisted technical teachers will take place in Bauchi as the center of the North-East, to acquaint themselves with the facilities,” he said.
Bobboyi said the commission came up with the initiative of construction and equipping of post basic and vocational schools to enable learners acquire vocational skills while undergoing approved JSS Curriculum.
“This is to promote entrepreneurship in our children, make them self-reliant and contribute positively to the growth of our economy,
“The JSS/Vocational school will serve as a springboard for stimulating the interest of students in technical and vocational education at an early age,” he said.
According to him, the schools are designed with classrooms, offices, furniture, vocational workshops, solar panels and motorised boreholes, amongst others.
In a remark, Gov. Bala Mohammmed, commended the commission for establishing the vocational training school in the state.
Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Baba Tela, said his administration also initiated different programmes to encourage acquisition of vocational skills in the normal school setting and through vocational centers.
He said the project would encourage development of science, technology and vocational education in the country.
Earlier, Dr Sirimbai Bauchi, Chairman, Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said the initiative was part of efforts to improve the learning process of the children skills acquisition in schools.