The Federal Government has announced plans to formally recognise Nigeria’s informal training hubs, including the renowned Panteka centres in Kaduna, Jos, and other major cities, as part of efforts to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) nationwide. The initiative seeks to integrate these centres into the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), providing structured accreditation and government support.
The announcement was made on Friday during an engagement meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and representatives of the National Association of Pantekas. Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, revealed that the Kaduna Panteka has already been registered under the NSQF with support from Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani.
“The state government has commenced infrastructure upgrades, including roads, ICT centres, a clinic, fire service, and water systems,” Bugaje said. He highlighted the historical and economic significance of Kaduna Panteka, describing it as “one of the oldest and most vibrant informal industries in Nigeria. Every week, even during COVID-19, trailers of their products were shipped to Niger and Mali.”
Bugaje noted that over 38,000 apprentices are currently being trained at Kaduna Panteka, surpassing the student population of Kaduna Polytechnic. He called for the formal recognition of Panteka and similar hubs as national training centres and urged the creation of dedicated budget lines to equip them with modern tools to enhance global competitiveness.
“These informal hubs are economic treasures. We must harness these assets to fight unemployment, insecurity, and poverty,” he added, citing Lagos’ Computer Village and Aba’s Ariaria Market as examples of informal hubs achieving international impact.
Minister Alausa pledged strong government support for TVET centres, announcing a results-based funding model where accredited centres will receive N45,000 per trained student, disbursed in three tranches of 40 per cent, 30 per cent, and 30 per cent to ensure accountability. “We’ve already accredited 308 centres. Once accreditation is secured, the government will fund every student trained,” he said. Alausa added that graduates would also receive starter packs to facilitate entrepreneurship or entry into the workforce, while stipends, transport support, and subsidised accreditation costs will ensure inclusivity.
Panteka National President, Nasiru Adamu, welcomed the government’s recognition, describing it as a crucial step for job creation and poverty alleviation. He called for further support, including acceptance of NSQF certificates earned at Panteka centres and curriculum adjustments to align with the practical training offered at these informal hubs.
The initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed focus on equipping Nigerian youths with practical, employable skills, reviving the nation’s tradition of technical expertise, and strengthening pathways from informal training to formal employment.
