The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad, has pledged to introduce sewing skills development in state schools. This initiative aims to promote the advancement of Nigerian children by empowering them with practical skills.
Empowering Nigerian Student Through Practical Skills
During a courtesy visit from the leadership of the Non-Governmental Association of Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS) and the Ladi Memorial Foundation (LMF) in Abuja, Ahmad emphasized the importance of skill empowerment in a child’s growth and development. She stressed the need for stakeholders to collaborate in promoting skill development.
Promoting Skill Development in Education
Ahmad noted that sewing is a practical and easy skill to implement at the basic level. “Sewing is practical and easy to implement at the basic level simply because the skills required do not occupy too much space, and we have enough teachers who can handle it.”
The minister also highlighted the need to look beyond sewing skills. “We are looking at skills not only in sewing but in other areas as well because sometimes these skills depend on your nature and passion, but there is always a beginning.”
Furthermore, Ahmad emphasized the importance of scaling up initiatives to the state level. “If we implement initiatives at the federal level without extending them to the state level, the impact will be minimal and almost insignificant.”
The ministry is currently working on a comprehensive strategy to ensure skills acquisition at all levels of education. This strategy will cover not only basic education but also tertiary education.
Noah Emmanuel, National President of NOGALSS, urged stakeholders to actively promote skill development at every level. “Skills are the most important thing, and we need to promote them at all costs and across all regions.”
Rosemary Osikoya, National Coordinator of the National Sewing Championship, emphasized the importance of nurturing skills among students. “We want every child in Nigeria to have the opportunity to showcase their talents.”
Mrs. Lami Isah, President of the Home Economics Teachers Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, stressed the need to encourage the teaching of home economics at all educational levels. “Encouraging this subject will help catch the children young, and there will be enough teachers to teach it.”
