Introducing the NVQF for more Open and Flexible Skills Domain in Nigeria

Abstract

National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF) is a system for managing skills qualifications characterized by awards obtained through work-based assessment and training. To achieve a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), candidates must prove that they have the ability (competence) to carry out their job to the level specified by the appropriate National Occupational Standards (NOSs), that describe the 'competencies' expected in any given job role. Introduction of NVQs into the Nigeria’s qualifications mix is one of the key initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) in its current 4-Year Action Plan. // After a long period of study of NVQFs in other Commonwealth countries, by personnel of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and other government agencies concerned with skills development, the FME inaugurated a National Steering Committee, in December 2010, to produce the first draft of Nigeria’s grid of qualification levels and level descriptors. This first draft was subjected to broad national consultation with major stakeholders, culminating in the formal approval of the NVQF by Federal Executive Council in April 2013. Meanwhile, the process for the development of NOSs, and training for assessors and verifiers had also commenced. // This presentation describes the journey so far, towards the institutionalization of the system, which is expected to enhance greater openness and flexibility in education and skill. The paper identifies Nigeria’s main objectives for introducing the NVQF, the prospects for capacity development to produce competent operators for the system, as well as the development process for NOSs, noting the enormous challenges in getting buy-in from all the key stakeholders, which is sine qua non for effective implementation of the Nigerian NVQF. // Paper ID: 465