Talent Exploration Challenge unveiled to Empower Youth in Technical and Vocational Skills

By Iyojo Ameh

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has launched the Nigeria Talent Exploration Challenge (NTEC), a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing, and promoting young Nigerians with exceptional skills in technical and vocational fields.

The challenge, which evolved from the Katsina National Talent Hunt Challenge, was first introduced by former Katsina State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari. Now expanded nationwide, it seeks to foster innovation, creativity, and economic growth by equipping young people with practical skills.

Speaking at the official media launch in Abuja, Masari, who now serves as the Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board, stressed the importance of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports and strengthening local production.

“You can never make progress with importation. Your currency can never have meaning with importation. Your energy needs will never be affordable if they are totally dependent on what comes from outside,” he stated.

Masari highlighted his administration’s past efforts in youth empowerment, recalling that over 10,000 young people were trained in various vocational skills during his tenure.

The National Coordinator of NTEC, Arc. Faisal Jaafaru Rafindadi, emphasized that the challenge aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to boost economic growth through technical and vocational education.

“Our collaboration with the NBTE underscores our commitment to excellence in technical education. This platform is designed to inspire and empower young Nigerians to become leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” Rafindadi said.

The competition is open to Nigerians aged 10 to 40 and will cover various categories, including: Automotive Modeling, Arts and Crafts, ICT and Technology Innovation, Construction and Literary Arts and Poetry

The Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s growing role in global skills development, noting that the country’s admission into World Skills International in 2024 opens new doors for Nigerian talents.

“We are excited that this initiative, which started in Katsina, has now become a national program. With our recent entry into World Skills International, Nigeria has a global platform to showcase its talent,” Bugaje said.

He announced that winners of the Nigeria Talent Exploration Challenge will represent the country at the World Skills Africa competition in Zambia in 2025 and the World Skills International event in South Korea in 2026.

“Africa is rich in talent, and as the continent’s most populous nation, Nigeria must take the lead,” he added.

The Federal Government through the program aims to equip young Nigerians with the skills necessary to drive industrial growth, entrepreneurship, and economic self-reliance, positioning the country as a leader in technical and vocational education.