The Federal Government has announced a strategic plan to formally recognise and integrate Nigeria’s informal industrial training hubs, such as the Panteka markets, into the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
The initiative, which is part of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), aims to equip Nigerian youths with practical, employable skills to combat unemployment and insecurity. The announcement was made on Friday during a meeting between the Minister of Education and the National Association of Pantekas in Abuja.
Kaduna Panteka as a Model
Prof. Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), revealed that the Kaduna Panteka market has already been registered under the NSQF with support from Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani.
“The state government has commenced infrastructure upgrades, including roads, ICT centres, a clinic, fire service, and water systems,” Bugaje stated. He described Kaduna Panteka as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most vibrant informal industries, noting its significant economic impact. “Every week, even during COVID-19, trailers of their products were shipped to Niger and Mali,” he added.
Prof. Bugaje underscored the scale of the centre’s operations, pointing out that its more than 38,000 apprentices exceed the entire student population of Kaduna Polytechnic. He called for the formal recognition of Panteka and similar hubs as national training centres and urged the creation of a dedicated budget line to equip them with modern tools for global competitiveness.
Citing the success of Lagos’ Computer Village and Aba’s Ariaria Market, which exports shoes to Botswana, Bugaje said, “These informal hubs are economic treasures. We must harness these assets to fight unemployment, insecurity, and poverty.”
Government Pledges Funding and Support
In his response, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting TVET centres nationwide. He announced a new results-based funding model, where accredited centres will receive ₦45,000 per student trained. The payment will be disbursed in three tranches, 40%, 30%, and 30% to ensure accountability.
“We’ve already accredited 308 centres. Once accreditation is secured, the government will fund every student trained,” Alausa confirmed.
To further encourage participation, the government will subsidise accreditation costs, provide stipends, offer transport support to students, and give graduates starter packs to help them launch businesses or enter the workforce.
“This approach not only trains youths but creates direct pathways to employment,” the minister added. “The goal is to revive Nigeria’s strong tradition of skilled technical manpower.”
Stakeholders Applaud Initiative
The National President of Panteka, Nasiru Adamu, commended the government for recognising the crucial role the informal sector plays in job creation and poverty alleviation. He urged for additional support, including the formal acceptance of NSQF certificates obtained from Panteka centres and a revision of the training curriculum to reflect the practical skills offered in these hubs.
