Nigeria's Education Minister Targets 10 Million Certified Workers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has set an ambitious target of producing 10 million globally certified workers by 2030, as part of its strategy to enhance the country's position in the global outsourcing and digitally enabled services market. Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, announced this initiative at the Hire From Nigeria side event during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

He emphasized the need to reform the education and skills system to produce adaptable talent that meets global labor-market demands. Alausa highlighted Nigeria's youthful population, English-language proficiency, and growing digital capabilities as key advantages.

He acknowledged challenges such as the mismatch between training and employer demands and inadequate access to internationally recognized certification. The ministry is addressing these issues through curriculum reform and expanded training opportunities.

Alausa also noted that the government's free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program has attracted over one million applications, supporting 160,000 trainees across approximately 1,200 centers nationwide.