08/07/2026
Insights from National TVET Conference 2026: EdoBTVET & GIZ Reaffirm Commitment to Advancing TVET in Edo state.
The Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (EdoBTVET) and the GIZ-SKYE programme have reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Edo State. This followed a strategic review meeting held at the Board's headquarters, as an outcome of the state's participation at the National TVET Conference.
The meeting, chaired by the Executive Chairman of EdoBTVET, Barr. (Mrs.) Onomen Briggs, provided an opportunity for both institutions to review achievements recorded so far, discuss existing challenges, and develop strategies to deepen partnership and enhance the delivery of technical and vocational education across the state.
In her remarks, Barr. Briggs commended the longstanding collaboration between EdoBTVET and GIZ-SKYE. She noted that the partnership has supported the repositioning of technical and vocational education as a critical driver of Competency-Based Training (CBT), the installation of equipment at Benin Technical College, and the attraction of new partnerships with international NGOs and the private sector. These efforts have led to increased outcomes in youth empowerment, employment creation, and local economic development.
The Executive Chairman further emphasized the board's commitment to sustaining engagement with development partners and the private sector to achieve the Edo State Government's vision for a robust and globally competitive TVET system.
Leading the GIZ-SKYE delegation, Helen Igboka, Programme Component Manager for Gender, Inclusion and Private Sector Engagement/State Manager, SKYE Edo State, highlighted the significant milestones achieved through the partnership. She stressed the importance of continuous implementation of the Technical Talent Development (TTD) Policy, the Edo State Integrated Strategy, and the Board's TVET Strategy, all supported by SKYE. These frameworks guide strategic planning, implementation, and stakeholder engagement to consolidate gains within the TVET sector.
Ms. Igboka noted that strengthening partnerships with private sector actors remains essential to ensuring that TVET is industry-driven, inclusive, and aligned with emerging workforce needs. She also reaffirmed GIZ-SKYE's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote quality skills development, innovation, gender inclusion, and sustainable economic opportunities for young people in Edo State.
Discussions during the meeting focused on strategies for repositioning the TVET sector in Edo State, strengthening engagement with EdoBTVET's private sector partners, addressing TTD policy and IE strategy implementation challenges, and identifying priority areas for sustained collaboration and impact. Both institutions also explored opportunities for expanding interventions aimed at enhancing the quality, accessibility, and relevance of technical and vocational education and training.
The EdoBTVET delegation included Mr. Benedict Irabor and Mrs. Onome Omeke, alongside the Executive Chairman, Barr. (Mrs.) Onomen Briggs. The GIZ-SKYE delegation comprised Helen Igboka, Akinmola Justina, Akinwale Modupe, and Mr. Nathaniel Olotu.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of EdoBTVET and GIZ-SKYE to strengthening technical and vocational education through strategic partnerships, innovation, and sustainable development initiatives aimed at equipping young people with relevant skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and national development.
