Council unveils model to tackle youth unemployment

The Sector Skills Council for Building in Nigeria has announced the implementation of the ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ initiative to boost youth employment in the country.

The council is a collaborative initiative among industry leaders, government agencies, and training providers aimed at promoting skills development and vocational training in key sectors of the economy.

The council’s President, Dr Samson Opaluwah, disclosed this at a press briefing to mark the World Youth Skills Day held in Abuja on Monday.

The Recognition of Prior Learning programme aims to recognise and certify the skills and competencies acquired by individuals through informal means, such as apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

“Skills form the foundation of economic growth and development, unlocking new opportunities, enhancing employability and driving innovation,” he said.

The RPL initiative is expected to revolutionise the informal sector by recognising the immense potentials and skills capacities that are currently not fully captured by the formal economy.

He noted that the implementation of RPL is a crucial step towards addressing the pressing issues of youth unemployment, skills gap, and skills mismatch in Nigeria.

The programme will provide opportunities for out-of-school young people and adults to acquire skills and certifications, enhancing their employability and productivity.

The United Nations Children Fund recently stated that the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria reached 18.3 million.

It noted that this alarming figure positions Nigeria as the country with the highest number of out-of-school children globally

Opaluwah called on the federal, state governments, and industry partners to collaborate in providing support for the implementation of RPL.

He added that the council is also working to establish job opportunities and mentoring initiatives to equip young individuals with essential skills, knowledge, and mindset required to thrive in the building industry.

“The future of humanity and our planet depends on young people. But it also depends on ensuring that they have the skills to tackle today’s challenges and shape a more peaceful tomorrow,” he added.

The implementation of RPL in Nigeria is a step towards ensuring that young people have the skills required to succeed and shape a better tomorrow