Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector are championing a new era of data-driven decision-making to strengthen the nation’s skills development and education policies.
The call came during a high-level capacity-building workshop hosted by Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), where participants were introduced to digital platforms designed to modernise TVET administration, enhance accountability, and guide national policy. Among these tools are the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, the NBTE Digital Quality Assurance Platform, and advanced Data Management and Visualisation solutions.
In his address, YABATECH Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, highlighted the urgent need to move away from fragmented, manual record-keeping. “Policy decisions in today’s education ecosystem demand instant access to credible data, verifiable records, and measurable outcomes. Without this, institutions risk falling behind and failing to meet industry and national skills priorities,” he said.
Abdul explained that digitalisation provides real-time insights into student enrolment, graduation rates, staffing, and skills acquisition, enabling evidence-based decisions on funding, accreditation, and workforce planning. He added that integrating technology does not replace hands-on skills training but enhances transparency, reduces human interference, and curbs corruption.
NBTE’s Director of Academic and Strategic Planning, Malam Lemu, described the initiative as a deliberate step to harmonise data across TVET institutions and align it with national objectives. “With ERP and other digital tools, regulators can identify gaps, track emerging needs, and respond proactively rather than reacting to incomplete information,” he said.
Representing NBTE Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Bugaje, Dr Babaginda Albaba emphasised the role of digital platforms in rebuilding trust in TVET data. “Policy fails when data is unreliable. These platforms allow us to monitor compliance, evaluate impact, and make decisions grounded in real institutional realities,” he stated.
The workshop also highlighted the long-term vision for integrating AI-enabled analytics to predict skills trends, reduce accreditation costs, and enhance regulatory efficiency. Participants, including registrars, ICT directors, and data management officers from TVET institutions across the South-West, were charged to ensure accurate data capture and compliance within their schools.
As Nigeria positions its TVET institutions to meet global standards, digital intelligence, coherent policy, and evidence-based governance are now central to aligning skills development with economic growth and workforce competitiveness.
