HFDI Seeks Collaboration with Osun Technical Board for Vocational Training of Adolescents
As part of efforts to strengthen the implementation of the ACCEL Africa Phase II Project, Health and Development Initiative, HFDI, has paid an advocacy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Osun State Board for Technical and Vocational Training, Mr. Ogundele Olalekan, to explore collaboration and seek technical support for the proposed vocational skills training of 70 adolescents under the project.
The engagement focused particularly on the adoption of an appropriate curriculum, quality assurance and assessment of the proposed six-month vocational training.
The HFDI team comprised the Director of Programmes, Falana Adeola; Program Officer, Ajayi Itunuoluwa; Program Specialist, Bamidele Abdulwris; and M&E Manager, Adedeji Olalekan.
During the engagement, HFDI presented the proposed intervention and sought the Board’s guidance on how it could support the training process and ensure that the vocational skills component meets appropriate standards.
In response, the Executive Secretary explained that the Board could support the intervention through quality assurance and assessment, including the use of assessors affiliated with the Osun State Board for Technical and Vocational Training.
The Board also highlighted available vocational areas that could be considered for the adolescents, including shoe making, catering and baking, tailoring, and hairdressing.
The discussion further addressed the registration of the trade masters who would train the adolescents. The Executive Secretary explained that trade masters would be required to register individually with the Board at a cost of ₦50,000, while the registration form costs ₦5,000.
The possibility of conducting a modular examination for the adolescents was also discussed. HFDI clarified that there is currently no budgetary provision for the examination, but noted that the possibility of support would be discussed with the International Labour Organization, ILO.
The Executive Secretary further clarified that the Board would not issue certificates for the proposed six-month training, as the Board’s formal vocational training programme runs for three years. This clarification will guide further discussions on an appropriate form of recognition or certification for adolescents who successfully complete the ACCEL Africa-supported training.
The advocacy engagement identified potential areas of collaboration, particularly around curriculum alignment, quality assurance and assessment. However, further discussion with the Executive Director is required before the proposed collaboration can be finalized.
Both parties agreed that a follow-up meeting would be scheduled based on their respective availability to further discuss and agree on the modalities of collaboration.