By Tracy Ohovwere
The Edo State Government has intensified its collaboration with the German development agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to strengthen its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system and finalise the 2024–2028 Integrated Employment Strategy (IES).
The strategic engagement took place at the office of the Chairman of the Edo State Board of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (BTVET), Barr. Onomen Briggs, and was aimed at reinforcing the government’s human capital development drive under Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Discussions centred on the current draft of the IES (Version 0.6), a policy framework coordinated from the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Human Capital Development and structured around five core pillars.
The focus of the meeting was on the pillar addressing education, skills, and TVET, with participants stressing the need to ensure Edo’s workforce is equipped with market-relevant and future-proof skills.
Four key areas were identified for strategic advancement, modernisation of the TVET system, improved labour-market intelligence, inclusion of returnees and women, and enhanced private sector participation in curriculum co-design.
While the existing strategy was noted to provide a solid foundation, participants emphasised the need to incorporate real-world training outcomes, employer feedback, and a stronger focus on green and digital skills.
In her remarks, Barr. Briggs stated that Edo youths must be prepared, not only for today’s job market, but also, for the evolving trends of the future.
She called for the adoption of innovative approaches, including dual-apprenticeship models, mobile training units for underserved communities, and modular skills passports that recognise cross-sector competencies.
The meeting ended with a resolution to include insights and recommendations from the session in the final IES document, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive workforce.
