By Ebuanekpe Joy
As part of commitments of the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo in creating sustainable job opportunities through human capital development in the State, the Board of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) has held a strategic meeting with representatives of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to advance the update and finalization of the Integrated Employment Strategy (IES) 2024–2028.
The meeting which held at the office of the Chairman, BTVET, Barr. (Mrs.) Onomen Briggs, sought to explore deeper collaboration between the Edo State Government and GIZ. Discussions centred on strong analytical foundation, monitoring and evaluation indicators already embedded in the current draft (Version 0.6) of the IES. The IES, which is domiciled in the Office of the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Human Capital Development, is a multi-sectoral policy framework structured around five core pillars. The meeting focused specifically on Education, Skills and TVET, which aim to equip the workforce with demand-driven and future-proof skills.
Participants reviewed four areas of key priority, which included Modernization of the TVET system, improved Labour-market Intelligence, Inclusion of Returnees and Women through defined pathways, and Private Sector Participation in Curriculum Co-design.
While the existing strategy provides a solid base, the Team agreed on the need to incorporate real-life training success stories, employer feedbacks, and stronger links to green and digital skills.
In her remarks, Barr. (Mrs.) Onomen Briggs emphasized the importance of preparing Edo youths for the evolving world of work through the implementation of forward-thinking policies designed to equip them with market-relevant skills.
“Our TVET initiatives must not only meet today’s labour-market requirements but also anticipate tomorrow’s industry trends”. She stated.
To this end, the Team proposed several innovative approaches, including the introduction of dual-apprenticeship models, deployment of mobile training units to underserved areas and the development of modular skills passports to recognize cross-sector competencies. It also resolved that insights and recommendations from the engagement will be incorporated into the final IES document.
The strategic engagement reinforces the Edo State Government’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and skilled workforce, fully aligned with the developmental goals of Sen. Okpebholo’s administration in equipping Edo youths to favourably compete globally.
Present at the engagement were GIZ representatives, the Functioning Board Secretary, Engineer (Mrs.) Stella Ogbeide, Board members including Dr. Peter Aikore and Hajia Salimato Helen Momodu, amongst others.
PHOTO CAPTION
3rd Right: The Executive Chairman of BTVET, Barr. (Mrs.) Onomen Briggs with the GIZ representatives at her office in Benin-City.
