The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has intensified its call on Nigeria to prioritise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key strategy to address rising unemployment, particularly within the agro-processing segment of the agricultural value chain.
This renewed advocacy comes amid growing concerns over the widening gap between academic training and industry requirements, which has left many young Nigerians without employable skills. UNESCO emphasised that strengthening TVET systems could play a transformative role in equipping youths with practical, market-relevant competencies needed to thrive in today’s labour market.
The call was made during a Labour Market Workshop on skills gap analysis in the agro-processing sector, held in Abuja. The Head of UNESCO Office in Abuja, Jean-Paul Abiaga, who was represented by Ifeanyi Ajaegbo, stressed that aligning youth skills development with real industry demands is critical to unlocking employment opportunities and driving economic growth.
According to UNESCO, Nigeria’s agro-processing sector holds immense potential for job creation, value addition, and economic diversification. However, the sector continues to face a shortage of skilled labour, particularly in areas such as food processing, packaging, storage, and post-harvest management. Addressing these gaps through targeted TVET programmes is seen as a practical pathway to reducing unemployment and boosting productivity.
The workshop was organised under the BEAR III initiative, a programme implemented by UNESCO with support from the Republic of Korea. The initiative focuses on strengthening Nigeria’s agro-processing skills ecosystem while fostering collaboration between policymakers, training institutions, and industry stakeholders.
Participants at the workshop highlighted the urgent need to transition from theoretical education to hands-on, industry-driven training. They noted that many graduates lack the technical expertise required in modern agro-processing facilities, thereby limiting their employability.
“Our mission is to transition from theoretical science into applied industrial competence. Skills developed within TVET institutions must directly match the needs of factories and processing plants,” a stakeholder stated during the session, reinforcing the importance of practical training in driving industrial growth.
At the sub-national level, efforts are already being made to align with this national vision. In Kano State, authorities are stepping up initiatives to integrate Work-Based Learning (WBL) into the education system. This approach allows students to gain real-world experience through internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
A government representative, Ibrahim Ado, explained that Work-Based Learning is essential for bridging the gap between theory and practice, especially in a state with a large youth population and expanding agro-processing activities. He noted that such initiatives would significantly improve employability and support local industries.
He further disclosed that the administration of Abba Yusuf is committed to strengthening TVET institutions, promoting partnerships with private sector players, and aligning education policies with both national development goals and international best practices.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Education stakeholder Onallo Akpa raised concerns about persistent deficiencies in agro-processing and post-harvest management skills. He pointed out that these gaps continue to hinder productivity and limit opportunities for value addition within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
To address these issues, a series of workshops are being conducted across Abuja, Kano, and KRIVET, with support from the Korean government. These initiatives are designed to tackle structural barriers that restrict participation in TVET programmes, particularly among women, youth, and unemployed individuals.
Stakeholders also emphasised the need for inclusive policies that encourage greater participation from underrepresented groups. Expanding access to TVET, improving infrastructure, and increasing funding for vocational institutions were identified as critical steps toward building a robust skills development ecosystem.
Experts believe that a well-structured TVET system could significantly reduce Nigeria’s unemployment rate by equipping young people with practical skills that meet labour market demands. In addition, strengthening the agro-processing sector could enhance food security, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase export potential.
The renewed push by UNESCO highlights a growing recognition that technical and vocational education is not just an alternative to traditional academic pathways, but a vital component of national development. By aligning skills training with industry needs, Nigeria stands to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
As the country continues to grapple with unemployment and economic challenges, the focus on TVET may prove to be a decisive factor in shaping a more inclusive and resilient workforce.