The Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, has propose a national push to formalise skills in Nigeria’s creative industries through certification, standards and expanded training.
Bugaje disclosed this in Abuja when he led the Chair of the Creative Media Sector Skills Council (CMSSC), Hajiya Fatima Haliru, on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa.
He urged the Ministry to take a stronger role in national skills governance, arguing that millions of talented Nigerians remain outside formal recognition.
“We would like this ministry to play a more active role in the National Council on Skills because you have the potential to mobilise young people and get them properly certified for the different skill sets they have. That’s what’s missing in this country,” he said.
Outlining CMSSC’s priorities, Haliru stressed that the creative economy was driven by talent honed outside formal classrooms and needs credible pathways to recognition.
“There are people who have spent years refining their skills, but because they lack certification, they cannot advance—even in the civil service,” she said.
She noted that the council is advancing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) within the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) so that experienced practitioners can be assessed and certified without returning to school.
“CMSSC has drafted national occupational standards for key trades—professional photography, audio production, graphics, content and computer production.
“And is seeking the Ministry’s partnership to train Quality Assurance assessors who will evaluate candidates on the job and award NSQF-aligned certifications.”
The delegation also proposed establishing 36 state-based skills training centres in collaboration with the Culture Ministry and education/TVET authorities, with state governments providing facilities and private investors equipping the centres.
Four level-based curricula have been developed to support the rollout. In addition, CMSSC proposed a biannual national calligraphy festival to showcase an art form with deep roots and potential in Nigeria.
Responding, Musawa placed the Ministry’s stance on employment and livelihoods.
“For us, it’s about job creation. Job creation leads to economic empowerment and addresses insecurity because when you empower idle youths, they gain focus.”
“Even when people create content on their phones, there has to be a proper strategy and framework that allows them not only to add value but to monetize it.”
Musawa described certification as “very key” to career progression and professional legitimacy, and called for swift, structured delivery:
“It’s about coming together in a very deliberate, very intentional way to cover the necessary steps. This is only the beginning—we’re scratching the surface.
” If we want to touch the lives of every Nigerian, we have to put a framework in place, ” Musawa said .
On the calligraphy proposal, the Minister said she had attended successful international showcases and was disappointed not to see Nigerian representation.
She said deliberate efforts are underway—including collaboration with the UAE government to ensure Nigeria’s presence at future events.