The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad, has announced plans to incorporate sewing skills into state school curricula, emphasizing the importance of equipping Nigerian children with practical skills.
Dr. Ahmad disclosed this during a meeting with representatives of the Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS) and the Ladi Memorial Foundation (LMF) on Friday in Abuja.
The discussion focused on the National Sewing Competition, an initiative aimed at encouraging skill development among young schoolchildren nationwide.
“Sewing is a practical and easy-to-implement skill that requires minimal space, and we already have enough teachers capable of teaching it,” Dr. Ahmad stated, stressing the need to integrate sewing into basic education.
She highlighted the critical role of state-level collaboration in ensuring the success of such initiatives.
“If we implement initiatives at the federal level without involving the states, the impact will be minimal. Most of our students come from the states, so collaboration with state stakeholders is crucial,” she added.
The minister also revealed that the ministry is working on a comprehensive strategy to integrate skills acquisition across all levels of education, including tertiary institutions.
The NOGALSS National President, Mr. Noah Emmanuel, underscored the economic significance of skill acquisition. “Skills are vital for economic progress. With skills, individuals can become employers of labor, contributing to the nation’s development,” he noted.
Similarly, Mrs. Rosemary Osikoya, National Coordinator of the National Sewing Championship, emphasized the competition’s role in fostering creativity and preparing students for market demands.
“The championship allows every Nigerian child to showcase their abilities and develop market-ready competencies,” Osikoya remarked, calling on the Federal Ministry of Education to support the initiative.
Mrs. Lami Isah, President of the Home Economics Teachers Association of Nigeria (FCT Chapter), called for strengthening home economics education to ensure a steady supply of qualified teachers.
She warned of the risks of neglecting the subject, which could create a skills gap detrimental to youth empowerment and economic independence.
“The recognition of home economics as a critical subject by JAMB is essential for youth empowerment,” Isah added.
The National Sewing Competition, now in its third phase, seeks to inspire self-reliance and creativity among students while contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Dr. Ahmad affirmed the ministry’s commitment to equipping youth with diverse skills, stating, “By preparing our youth with practical skills, we lay the foundation for a future of independence and innovation.”
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