By Adeola Akinbobola, Abuja
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has harped on the need to realign our educational and technical training systems, enhance collaboration between industry and academia and adopt forward-thinking policies for sustainable industrialisation .
In a welcome remarks by the President/Chairman-in-Council, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE at the virtual 2025 January public lecture organised by the Industrial Division of NSE on the theme: “Mitigating the Skills Gap in Nigeria’s Industrialization” held on Tuesday, said by bridging the skills gap, we are equipping Nigeria for a future of sustainable industrialisation, economic growth and global competitiveness.
According to her, there is need to work together to develop actionable strategies and implementable recommendations that will address the skills gap and also lay the groundwork for an industrial revolution in Nigeria.
She commended the Industrial Division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers for its vibrancy and commitment to promoting good governance and fostering constructive engagements within the engineering and industrial sectors
Also, the National Chairman Engr Dr David Abu Ozigi NIIndE explained that these public lectures brought together participants from Government Agencies, the Academia and Private Sector Industry players to brainstorm on Nigeria’s industrial development journey and articulate the best approach to a sustainable economic development of the nation.
” At each of these fora, there has been a subtle remark on the importance of skills development in Industrialization.
“The theme of our January 2025 Lecture which is Mitigating the Skills Gap in Nigeria’s Industrialization is therefore a logical response to the acknowledgement of this fact.
“To bridge the skills gap in Nigeria’s industrialization will of necessity require carrying out a skills gap analysis, by identifying areas where skills and knowledge are lacking, and then create plans to address them.
“Furthermore, it will require adequate Investment in skills acquisition programmes in addition to reskilling the existing workforce,” he said.
Also, in a paper presentation on ” Mitigating the Skills Gap in Nigeria’s Industrialization” by a medial scientist and clinician industrialist, Dr Henry E. Emejuo said bridging the skills gap in Nigeria is imperative for our Industrialization journey.
He said it requires a concerted effort from government, educational institutions, business and communities.
According to him, by aligning education with industry needs, investing in vocational training and fostering public private partnerships, we can prepare a skilled workforce ready to propel our industries forward.