The Africa Nigeria-Niger (ANN) Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco participated in the National TVET Conference 2026, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 8 to 10 June 2026. Representing the Province was the P-TVET Coordinator, Mr Cletus EtukAkpan, who joined key stakeholders from government, industry, development agencies, technical institutions, and the private sector to discuss the future of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria.
The three-day conference was themed “Harnessing TVET as a Pathway to Employment: Building a System for Employability, Inclusion and Green Growth in Nigeria.” The event provided a strategic platform for dialogue on strengthening Nigeria’s TVET ecosystem and aligning skills development with labour market demands. The Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Olajide Sanwa-olu was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who addressed the participants and officially opened the conference.
The first day of the conference focused on “Strengthening Policy and Governance of TVET Systems.” Participants examined the policies, partnerships, and institutional frameworks required to make TVET more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.
A major highlight of the opening day was the keynote presentation delivered by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, titled “Repositioning Nigeria’s TVET System for the Future of Work and Sustainable Growth.” The presentation emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government, industry, and training institutions to equip young people with relevant skills for an evolving labour market. It also underscored the importance of innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability in shaping the future of technical education in Nigeria.
The conference also featured goodwill messages from government officials, development partners, and international organisations, as well as technical presentations on policy harmonisation, competency-based training, and institutional coordination in the TVET sector.
Beyond the plenary sessions, participants engaged in a series of syndicate discussions and thematic working sessions on Day Two, themed “ Cooperation With The Private Sector and Day Three, themed “Sustainable Skills Development For Green and Inclusive Growth, where they explored practical approaches to improving TVET delivery, strengthening industry partnerships, promoting quality assurance, and expanding opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
The interactive nature of these sessions enabled stakeholders to share experiences, identify challenges, and propose solutions for building a more effective and inclusive TVET system across the country.
Another key feature of the conference was the exhibition and impact showcase arena, where companies, development organisations, and TVET institutions displayed innovative programmes, technologies, and successful training models. The exhibitions provided valuable insights into emerging trends in skills development, green technologies, digital learning, and workforce readiness.
Participants had the opportunity to interact with exhibitors, learn from successful interventions, and explore potential areas of collaboration.
The conference also created important opportunities for networking and experience sharing among stakeholders. Particularly, the organisers and sponsors, which include GIZ, LASTVEB, UNESCO BEAR III, UNICEF, AFD IDICE, SIFA, UNDP, YOUNG AFRICA INTERNATIONAL, BRITISH COUNCIL, IOM and many more. Representatives from government ministries, development agencies, educational institutions, industry bodies, and training providers exchanged ideas and strengthened relationships aimed at advancing the TVET agenda in Nigeria.
For the Don Bosco ANN Province, participation in the conference offered an opportunity to engage with national and international actors working to improve employability outcomes for young people through quality technical and vocational education.
As a Province committed to empowering young people through education, skills development, and employment pathways, the Salesians of Don Bosco continue to invest in TVET programmes that respond to the realities of the labour market and the needs of vulnerable youth.
The insights gained from the National TVET Conference 2026 will contribute to ongoing efforts within the ANN Province to strengthen training programmes, promote innovation, and expand opportunities for young people to build sustainable livelihoods.
Through active participation in national conversations such as this, the Province reaffirms its commitment to preparing young people not only for jobs, but for meaningful and productive futures.