Echono Urges FG To Meet UNESCO Benchmark, Overhaul Education System for 21st-Century Workforce.
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has called on the Federal Government to strive toward meeting the UNESCO recommendation of allocating 15%–20% of the national budget to education, as against the current 7%.
Echono made the call while delivering the 13th Convocation Lecture of Nile University in Abuja.
Speaking on the topic “Redefining the Nigerian Education System for the 21st Century Workforce,” the TETFund boss urged government and stakeholders to improve funding for the education sector to adequately equip institutions with modern digital tools, state-of-the-art laboratories, and qualified instructors.
He also advocated a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigerian education curriculum at all levels to meet global labour market demands, warning that the current system remains grossly misaligned with contemporary requirements
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Nile University, Prof. Dilli Dogo, cautioned that 40%–50% of executive jobs risk becoming obsolete due to rapid technological advancements.
The meeting further emphasized the urgent need to deepen commitment and funding for STEM education to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian graduates in the global workforce.
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