The Kano state government has restated commitment to the full implementation of the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR III) project in the State.
Implemented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Republic of Korea, the programme aims to enhance technical and vocational education in West Africa.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Makoda, who made the pledge on behalf of the State Government during a courtesy visit by the UNESCO delegation, on Tuesday – yesterday, March 25 – in Kano, described the programme as a positive initiative that aligns with the policies of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf administration, aimed at improving technical and vocational training in the state.
“This training introduced by UNESCO and Government of Republic of Korea is in line with Governor Abba Kabir -Yusuf’s agenda of skills acquisition programmes, to make our youth self-reliant,” he said
Represented by Bashir Baffa, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Makoda said the state government would partner with UNESCO and the Republic of Korea to enhance technical and vocational training in basic and post-basic schools.
He urged the organisation to expand the scope of the programme to include basic and post basic schools, to prepare pupils to utilise agriculture and prospective job opportunities.
Manish Joshi, BEAR Regional Coordinator, said the project focused on strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to encourage agro-processing and post-harvest management in selected countries in Africa.
“The third phase of the BEAR project will be implemented in four West African countries namely: Cote d’ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone .
“BEAR III aims to give young people in West Africa a better chance of accessing decent employment by promoting sustainable improvement in technical and vocational education and training,” he said.
Adenike Olifo, Director, Technical/Science Education, Federal Ministry of Education, said the team would engage relevant stakeholders to fasttrack implementation of the project in the state.
She reiterated commitment to achieve the objectives of the programme within the shortest time.
