NBTE AND COMMONWEALTH OF LEARNING PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ODFEL STANDARDS AND ACCREDITATION TOOL, AND MONITORING AND EVALUATION (M&E) FRAMEWORK IN NIGERIA'S TVET SYSTEM
NBTE AND COMMONWEALTH OF LEARNING PARTNER TO IMPLEMENT ODFEL STANDARDS AND ACCREDITATION TOOL, AND MONITORING AND EVALUATION (M&E) FRAMEWORK IN NIGERIA'S TVET SYSTEM
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is partnering with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), to implement the Open, Distance, and Flexible eLearning (ODFeL) Standards and Accreditation Tool, and a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework in Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. This initiative, aimed at enhancing the resilience, quality, and accessibility of the TVET, is being piloted in five institutions, starting with Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State and Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic in Yobe State.
The partnership seeks to build on previous efforts by NBTE and COL which developed the ODFeL Standards and Accreditation Tools and the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework. The new project, which runs until May 2025, focuses on the pilot implementation of these frameworks and final validation, which will be instrumental in improving the delivery of ODFeL, thereby providing access to quality TVET education for students across Nigeria using technology.
The key objectives of the initiative include implementing the developed ODFeL Standards and Accreditation Tool and M&E Framework, providing training to NBTE staff and TVET practitioners, ensuring that blended learning approaches enhance the TVET sector, making it more adaptable to disruptions, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, through partnerships with TVET systems in Zambia and Kenya, the initiative will promote shared learning and innovation in blended learning models.
A major highlight is the development of a micro-course on the use of ODFeL standards, which will be co-created with partners from Zambia and Kenya to serve as a critical resource for TVET educators. The broader adoption of the new ODFeL standards and accreditation tools, and the M&E framework in Nigeria is expected to significantly improve access to quality TVET education, particularly in underserved regions and especially in programmes related to emerging technologies.
This initiative also supports the Nigerian government’s vision of transforming the country’s education system to meet the needs of the 21st-century workforce. The project aligns with ongoing reforms in the TVET sector aimed at promoting skills development and reducing unemployment.
Fatima Abubakar
Head Media