Ogun State government says the ongoing transformation in the Vocational and Technical Sector is to enhance employability and drive economic growth in the state and country.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said this during a five-day workshop at Simeon Adebo Library, Kuto, Abeokuta, organised by the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board (OGSTVEB), to review and validate the National Technical Certificate (NTC) curriculum and National Occupation Standard (NOS) for the newly introduced trades.

Arigbabu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mariam Oloko, noted that the present administration had embarked on innovative capacity building for Technical Instructors and Teachers, while rehabilitation of technical and vocational schools across the state was in the pipeline.

Speaking further, the Commissioner said the present administration’s quest to transform the technical sector for the next generation of workers with skills to thrive in the highly competitive world, adding that the introduction of new trades in technical school curriculum would ensure economic growth, and equip students with cutting-edge skills

In his remarks, the Acting Education Secretary, OGSTVEB, Mr. Olubori Akinleye applauded the resource persons for their inputs in the review of the curriculum, saying the contributions by different experts and professional education bodies, would enable students to gain valuable skills, creativity and practical experience, to prepare them adequately for the industrial world.

In his comment, a member of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr. John Onyebuchi, lauded the dedication of the resource experts, noting that their outstanding contributions in reviewing the curriculum were impressive.

Responding, TVET Specialist Consultant, Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, Mr. Unyime Eyo, said introduction of the new trades demonstrates the state government's commitment to providing quality technical education that would prepare students ahead.

On his part, Chairman, Nigerian Association of Small, and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Ogun State Chapter, Dr. Akinwumi Alonge, emphasised the value of various trades in preparing students for industrial growth, while highlighting the significance of building ornamental craft in construction industry, while a Lecturer in the Department of Plant Physiology and Crop Production Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr. Sobowale Soremi pointed out that Agronomy Craft was important to sustainable agriculture and food security.