Abuja – Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the National Council on Skills (NCS) to ensure that Made-in-Nigeria products and services compete at world-class standards. Speaking at the 8th NCS meeting at the Presidential Villa, he called on the council to harness the creativity and industrious spirit of Nigerians to drive the country’s industrial revolution.

He noted that preparations for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 go beyond the competition itself, describing Nigeria’s participation as a bridge to global recognition for professionals across sectors, including AI development in Lagos, precision machining in Nnewi, and climate-smart agriculture in Benue.

VP Shettima highlighted the roles of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in advancing human capital under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed that collaboration across government and private sectors is essential to deliver jobs, hope, and a future where skills are a key economic asset.

The council also reviewed a proposal by Dangote Industries to conduct a one-month “train-the-trainer” programme for 100 candidates in high-demand skills, including industrial mechanics, electronics, instrumentation, welding, and heavy-duty equipment operations. The initiative was commended, and updates on progress were requested at future meetings.

Dignitaries at the event included Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, Minister of Education Dr. Morufu Tunji Alausa, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Industry Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, and a representative of the Dangote Foundation.