MINISTER OF EDUCATION TASKS UNIVERSITIES ON PRODUCING QUALITY GRADUATES

Universities in Nigeria have been challenged to produce a skilled workforce that will match the needs of the labour market in quality and quantity.

Minister of Education,Adamu Adamu who gave the indication while declaring open a one day workshop on Pilot tracer study in Abuja said a situation where there is a disconnect between university training and the needs of the labour market have serious implication in the social economic development of the nation.

Represented by a director in the ministry,Sunday Ochega,the Minister described the pilot tracer study as a key initiative expected to provide relevant information required to access graduates of science and engineering programmes in the universities.

Earlier,in his welcome remarks,the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission,Prof Julius Okojie who was represented by his deputy,Prof Chiedu Mafiana alongside other speakers said the tracer study seeks to ascertain the relevance of degrees from the Nigerian university system to the Labour market.

The pilot phase of the Graduate Tracer study initiative which is being championed by the NUC and the United Nations Industrial Development organisation (UNIDO) will be implemented in 36 federal, state and private universities in Nigeria.