The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and HYPERTECH, a technology firm, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote local content production and advance skills development.
The partnership aims to leverage the Almajiri, out-of-school children and the youthful population to achieve its objectives, providing a unique opportunity for growth and development.
Speaking at the NBTE Headquarters on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Managing Director (MD) of HYPERTECH, Muhammad Mustapha, said the MoU was in advancement of the local content policy.
He added that the MoU, which is hinged on national development, aimed at driving the Federal Government’s renewed commitment towards capacity building.
This is through the utilisation of human capital, which is the nation’s key asset in terms of turning the population into viable engagements.
Mustapha equally said the campaign by NBTE particularly on skills has reached an advanced stage.
According to him, it has a relevant interface with the local content policy to coordinate the potential huge work force into maximum utilisation for the nation’s economic development.
Mustapha explained that local content was captured in the Mambilla power project that was in view.
He added that it was signed by the Nigerian and Chinese Government and working toward implementation is an effort, among others, to build local capacity.
Mustapha also said the MoU was expected to benefit thousands of Almajiri students, out-of-school children, and the youthful population.
This is by providing them with access to modern education and skills, and empowering them to contribute to the nation’s development.
“The partnership between NBTE and HYPERTECH is expected to have a positive impact on the nation’s education sector and economic development, serving as a model for future public-private partnerships.
“Overall, the partnership is a significant step towards promoting local content production, advancing skills development, and driving economic growth and development in the country,”he said.
Mustapha assured of HYPERTECH’s commitment to ensuring the success of the initiative, leveraging its expertise and resources to drive progress and growth.
Speaking to newsmen after the event, the Executive Secretary, NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.
Bugaje stated that it aligned with the board’s vision to promote technical and vocational education, bridging the gap between traditional and modern education.
He added that the partnership would provide opportunities for skills development and entrepreneurship, particularly among the Almajiri and out-of-school children, fostering economic growth and development.
Under the agreement, he said HYPERTECH would provide technical support and expertise to develop digital content and infrastructure for enhancing the learning experience and providing access to modern education and skills for the children.
He equally said the partnership would leverage on existing training centres nationwide to serve as platforms for the skills development, where the firm would facilitate the training while NBTE provides necessary quality assurance.
“By training the local youths across the nation, we will mop up the unemployed youths by giving them skills to fit into some national projects like the Mambilla power project, railway expansion and many others across the nation.
“The youths, including the Almajiris will be mobilised, trained and certified to fit into some of the Infrastructural projects,”Bugaje said.
He commended HYPERTECH for its commitment to promoting local content and skills development, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving the nation’s development goals.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that HYPERTECH is the national consultant on local content for the Mambila HydroElectric Power project, among others.
NAN also reports that the initiative was praised by the stakeholders present at the MoU event.
They described it as a significant step towards bridging the gap between traditional and modern education, thereby promoting economic growth and development.(NAN)
