By Fatima Saka
In a bid to foster skills development and nurture the mental health and economic potential of Nigerian youth, the Nigerian Talent Exploration Challenge (NTEC) has taken the lead in discovering and empowering young minds to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The official media launch of NTEC took place on Saturday in Abuja, featuring the unveiling of its logo in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Speaking at the event, Project Coordinator of NTEC, Faisal Jaafar Rafindadi, emphasized the initiative’s commitment to identifying, nurturing, and showcasing the exceptional talents of young Nigerians in technical and vocational fields.
“The Nigerian Talent Exploration Challenge is designed to promote innovation, creativity, and skills development among young Nigerians. This aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of driving economic growth through technical and vocational education.”
Rafindadi highlighted that the initiative originally started as the Katsina National Talent Hunt Challenge, launched under former Katsina State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari. It has now expanded into a national platform, broadening its reach to empower talents across the country.
“Our partnership with NBTE underscores our commitment to excellence in technical education. Together, we aim to create a platform that inspires and empowers Nigerian youths to become leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.”
Dignitaries and Calls for Economic Self-Sufficiency
The event saw the presence of several high-profile guests, including Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, former governor of Katsina State and Chairman of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), alongside other distinguished personalities.
Addressing the media, Masari emphasized that Nigeria’s economy cannot thrive if it remains dependent on imports:
“We have the population, and with population comes a huge market. However, if over 90% of our needs are met through imported goods and services, we cannot progress. Our currency will remain weak, and energy costs will remain high. To move forward, we must invest in local talent and production.”
The Vision Behind the Initiative
Reflecting on the inspiration behind NTEC, Masari shared insights from his time on the campaign trail in 2014, where he recognized the pressing need to empower youth and women.
“During campaigns, I observed that 60–70% of those in the crowd were youth, mostly between 15 and 35 years old. Similarly, I noticed a shift in the political participation of women. This realization made me think deeply—how do we empower these groups?”
Upon assuming office, Masari introduced various skills development programs, including the establishment of youth training centers and a youth craft village in Katsina State. These initiatives paved the way for the creation of NTEC, which aims to provide sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians beyond traditional government contracts.
The Need for Skill Development in a Changing World
Speaking at the launch, Jelani Aliyu, Chief Mentor of NTEC, stressed the urgency of equipping Nigerian youth with practical skills to compete globally.
“The world is evolving rapidly, and every nation is taking proactive steps to remain relevant. Nigeria must do the same by empowering its youth with the skills and intellect necessary to drive progress.”
Aliyu, a globally recognized automobile designer, shared his own journey from studying in the U.S. to securing a job with General Motors (GM), the world’s largest automotive corporation at the time. His success, he noted, was the result of structured skill acquisition, which is now the focus of NTEC.
Global Recognition and Future Prospects
Professor Idris M. Bugaje, Executive Secretary of NBTE, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting NTEC and integrating it into global skills competitions.
Global Recognition and Future Prospects
“NTEC is now a national program and has been included in Nigeria’s agenda for the World Skills Competition. In 2024, Nigeria was admitted into World Skills International, which is like the Olympics for technical skills. By 2025, winners from NTEC will represent Nigeria at the World Skills Africa meeting in Zambia, and by 2026, at the World Skills International gathering in Korea.”
Bugaje further highlighted Africa’s historical contributions to education and innovation, stressing the need for the continent to reclaim its leadership in science, technology, and vocational education.
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“The first universities in the world were in Africa—Kairouan (Morocco), Al-Azhar (Egypt), and Sankore (Mali)—long before Europe’s first university in 1084. Somewhere along the line, Africa lost its leadership in higher education. Now, Nigeria must take the lead in rediscovering Africa’s intellectual and technical prowess.”
Distinct News reports that Nigerian Talent Exploration Challenge (NTEC) represents a significant step toward national development by unlocking the potential of young Nigerians in technical, creative, and vocational fields. With strong backing from government agencies, industry leaders, and global skill platforms, the initiative is poised to drive innovation, reduce dependence on imports, and position Nigeria as a hub for technical excellence in Africa and beyond.
