The Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has unveiled plans to establish more than 24 state-of-the-art skills and innovation centers nationwide, aimed at empowering Nigerian youths with practical skills and fostering innovation.
This initiative was revealed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a visit to the Innov8 Hub in Abuja. Accompanied by key stakeholders, including the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, Mamman commended the partnership between TETFund and Innov8 Hub, which is dedicated to incubating innovation startups, technology transfer, skill development, and prototype fabrication.
In his address, Mamman emphasized the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of their location. He lauded the collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub, which aims to equip learners and researchers from various educational institutions with practical skills and resources to enhance employability and research output.
Expressing optimism about the transformative potential of initiatives like Innov8 Hub, Mamman stressed the importance of bridging the gap between research outcomes and industry demand. He pledged to advocate for increased engagement from industry stakeholders and government agencies to leverage the resources and opportunities offered by innovation hubs like Innov8.
Mamman underscored the government’s determination to train and empower young Nigerians, including those from internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps, with the requisite skills to thrive in various sectors of the economy. He emphasized the need for collaboration between government, private sector, and educational institutions to ensure the success and sustainability of skill development initiatives.
In conclusion, Mamman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to harnessing the potential of innovation hubs like Innov8 to drive socioeconomic development and create a more prosperous future for Nigeria.