The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad, has announced plans to include sewing skills in the curriculum of state schools as part of efforts to improve the all-round development of Nigerian children.
Dr. Ahmad disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a visit by representatives of the Non-Governmental Association of Literacy Support Services and the Ladi Memorial Foundation. The groups met with the minister to discuss the upcoming National Sewing Competition, which aims to nurture young talent across the country.
“Sewing is a practical and easy-to-implement skill that requires minimal space, and we already have enough teachers capable of teaching it,” she said.
The minister emphasized the importance of working with state governments to expand the reach of skill acquisition programs. “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.
Dr. Ahmad revealed that a broader strategy is being developed to introduce various skills at all educational levels, including tertiary institutions.
The National President of NOGALSS, Noah Emmanuel, praised the initiative, saying, “Skills are vital for economic progress. With skills, individuals can become employers of labour, contributing to the nation’s development.”
The National Coordinator of the National Sewing Championship, Rosemary Osikoya, highlighted how the competition fosters creativity and prepares students for the job market. “The championship allows every Nigerian child to showcase their abilities and develop market-ready competencies,” she said, urging the Federal Ministry of Education to support the initiative fully.
In support, Lami Isah, President of the Home Economics Teachers Association of Nigeria (FCT Chapter), stressed the need to strengthen home economics education at all levels. “Promoting home economics will ensure an adequate number of qualified teachers in the future. If we neglect it, we risk creating a skills gap that could hinder youth empowerment and economic independence,” she said.
Isah also called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to recognize home economics as a critical subject for youth empowerment.
The National Sewing Competition, now in its third phase, aims to inspire creativity and self-reliance among students while contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
In October the Federal Government announced that starting in January 2025, the new curriculum for basic education will include various vocational skills such as plumbing, hairstyling, tiling, solar installation, and more.
The initiative ensures students graduate with at least two skills, positioning them for a productive and self-reliant life.
