National Board for Technical Education NBTE says Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework NSQF has now been incorporated into the National Scheme of Service.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Professor Idris M. Bugaje stated this while delivering his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction and remodelling of Panteka Market by Governor Uba Sani in Kaduna.
Professor Bugaje noted that graduates of Panteka market can be employed at all levels of government with their NSQ certificates, and those interested can pursue jobs overseas.
According to him, Panteka had since 2021 signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with Kaduna Polytechnic to facilitate the formalization of skills training in the market.
Professor Idris Bugaje further disclosed that, Some of the apprentices had graduated in November 2023 while others are also undertaking similar on-the-job training with Kaduna Polytechnic under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
“Nevertheless, despite the MoU with Kaduna Polytechnic, Panteka has now been granted by the NBTE the status of a full-fledged Training Centre. We hope they will apply the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to get more of their apprentices certified. With the facilities provided by TETFund through Kaduna Polytechnic and now by the Kaduna State Government, this goal is achievable.”
“Among the Master craftsmen of Panteka, at the moment, there are as many Quality Assurance Assessors (QAAs) and Internal Quality Assurance Managers (IQAMs) as are found in Kaduna Polytechnic”
Professor Bugaje further stated that the old Panteka Market had about 38,000 apprentices who have acquired knowledge of various skills and are putting them into practice for economic development.
“Panteka is now a brand, well respected across the nation and even in many ECOWAS countries. Panteka has finally become an institution“
“The transformation of Panteka at this time is very appropriate. It was the passion of His Excellency, even when he was in the Nigerian Senate. By the Grace of Allah, he is now the Executive Governor of the State and is aptly walking the talk, with a human face and a human touch”
The Executive Secretary appealed to the members of the Old Panteka Market Development Association to strictly comply with the approved designs of the shops and where necessary get support from external stakeholders to deliver the new buildings as quickly as possible.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani, during a stakeholders’ meeting after receiving the report of the fire incident at the market, said that he has made a commitment to remodel the Panteka Market, aiming to transform it into a major business and technology hub in Northern Nigeria.
Uba Sani explained that, the gathering was in fulfilling of his commitment to remodeled the Market with modern facilities and access roads to attract patronage from other states and boost businesses in the Market.
“We are not only remodeling the market; we are adding existing structures that will turn the market into a full business and technology hub‘
The Governor stressed that, the remodeled market would now have a clinic, fire service station, outdoor public toilets, incinerators, new transformers, security posts, place of worship, and ICT Center.
Assuring that the market will be a major center for skills acquisition and job creation, he added that youths will be trained in carpentry, welding, painting, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, and other trades.
“We shall work out collaborative arrangements between the Remodeled Panteka Market and the Vocational and Technology Skills City in Rigachikun, Samarun Kataf and Soba”
According to him, his government is determined to decisively address the skills deficits of people by providing them with the requisite skills to fill positions in the business concerns attracting to the state.
“This project will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in our state, increase our internally generated revenue, reduce youth unemployment and attract more investors into Kaduna State. With youths learning trades and gainfully employed, conflict entrepreneurs will hardly find anybody to recruit for their nefarious activities”
He added that, the Market when completed, would be a major hub for skills and technology acquisition in Northern Nigeria, urged the contractor to commit themselves to the speedy completion of the project that holds huge potentials for people and Kaduna State.
Earlier, the Chairman of Old Panteka Market, Alhaji Sule Shehu expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for fulfilling his promises on the remodelling of the market.
Alhaji assured continue support for the success of his administration.
COV/AMINU DALHATU.
.
