The Federal Government has announced the launch of a new initiative, the ‘School-to-Work’ scheme.
This program is designed to empower young individuals by providing them with the necessary skills for self-employment and productivity.
Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), revealed this development during a meeting with various education stakeholders. The scheme is targeted at junior secondary school students, aiming to help them identify their potential and talents early in life.
The initiative is expected to yield generations of school leavers who are not only productive and self-employed but also contribute significantly to the country’s economic prosperity. It aims to reduce the wastage experienced after junior secondary education by equipping students who may not be academically inclined with sustainable skills.
The scheme is structured to offer a minimum of six months of training, divided into two months per academic year at the junior secondary level. During this period, students will be taught the basics of various trades, which they can further develop after completing their junior secondary education.
Vocational centers will be established and equipped within existing junior secondary schools to support training in a variety of trades. Dr. Bobboyi called for the support of all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme.
The Federal Government’s role is to bolster the efforts of other tiers of government. To this end, Commissioners of Education from across the country have been invited to deliberate on the scheme and pledge their cooperation for its success.
Dr. Folake Davies, the Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, stated that the scheme aligns with the ministry’s roadmap policy. It is designed to equip youths with the necessary experience to excel in any work environment. She emphasized that the successful implementation of the program would require a collaborative effort from all levels of government and active participation from the private sector.
