Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow by equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demands of various industries.
In an insightful conversation with Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder-Director of NSN, Mr. Serumu Igberadja, President of IVETA (International Vocational Education and Training Association), shared valuable insights on the pivotal role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in global skill development. He emphasized the importance of aligning TVET programs with national and global needs, the significance of gender equality across industries, and the need for international collaborations. Mr. Serumu Igberadja also discussed IVETA’s initiatives in fostering global partnerships, improving TVET systems, and bridging gaps in skill training to enhance employment opportunities worldwide.
Here are some of the highlights from the interview. To watch the full video, please visit our YouTube channel.
Q. Can you share a bit about your journey from Nigeria to becoming deeply involved in the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET)?
A. I am from Delta State, Nigeria. I am the CEO of Think TVET Global Consults and Edu Tour Global Limited. I hold a master’s degree in Industrial Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Technical Education from Delta State University, Africa.
Twelve years ago, as a postgraduate student, I joined IVETA with a strong passion to promote and advance TVET while contributing my expertise to its development, particularly in developing countries. Being part of IVETA broadened my perspective and provided opportunities, such as securing a training grant to attend the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
Over the years, I have conducted extensive research to tackle the challenges in TVET, with the goal of improving and making TVET impactful across Africa. My involvement with IVETA started as a Correspondence Officer to the former Regional Vice President for Eastern and Western Africa, a role I held for four years. This experience exposed me to various TVET programs and initiatives. I later served as Vice President for Eastern and Western Africa for two years before being elected as President-Elect of IVETA. After serving in that role for two years, I am now the President of IVETA for the 2025-2026 term.
Some of my notable programs include partnerships with UNESCO-UNEVOC and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as collaborations with Nigeria’s National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to organize e-learning workshops and conferences. These initiatives have strengthened TVET systems and fostered collaboration in the region. I am committed to contributing meaningfully to the global development of TVET and am excited to now lead IVETA on a global stage.
Q. What is IVETA, and how does it contribute to building a resilient and impactful global TVET ecosystem?
A. IVETA, or the International Vocational Education and Training Association, is a nonprofit organization established 40 years ago, in 1984. Its primary mission is to promote and advance TVET globally, with a special focus on developing nations.
Over the years, IVETA has been actively working to enhance TVET systems through conferences, workshops, training and retraining programs for TVET educators, and by awarding innovation and improvement grants to TVET institutions and NGOs. IVETA collaborates with national governments, international organizations, TVET institutions, and independent researchers to drive quality improvements in TVET.
Our efforts go beyond merely promoting TVET, we emphasize the quality of programs, ensuring that they align with the national, industrial, and societal needs of the countries they serve. The goal is to create programs that support sustainable development and livelihoods. This means that the curriculum must address the industrial, economic, and societal demands of each region, while also meeting global standards.
IVETA plays a crucial role in ensuring that TVET programs are not only relevant but also effective in fostering sustainable growth and meeting the evolving needs of the world.
Q. How can efforts by international organizations like UNESCO and others be consolidated to address the common goals of TVET globally?
A. As the President of IVETA, my vision is to foster global collaboration among organizations promoting TVET and sustainable skill development. Under my leadership, IVETA aims to work closely with international partners to strengthen TVET systems worldwide.
Our primary focus areas include:
- Global partnerships: IVETA will collaborate with organizations such as UNESCO-UNEVOC, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other entities focused on TVET and youth development. These partnerships are vital to promoting and advancing TVET globally.
- National and International collaboration: IVETA will work closely with national TVET agencies and institutions across the world to foster equity in education and improve the overall quality of TVET programs, ensuring they meet both local and global needs.
- Promoting TVET for global jobs: A significant focus area is developing a globalized TVET curriculum. This would ensure that individuals trained in countries like India, Nigeria, or the United Kingdom can seamlessly work across borders. By aligning TVET programs with international standards, we aim to equip graduates to compete in the global job market.
- Bridging global skill gaps in TVET: IVETA will work toward creating a TVET curriculum that is globally recognized, ensuring that graduates can pursue career opportunities anywhere in the world. This approach helps bridge the gap between developed and developing countries, promoting equal opportunities for all TVET professionals.
These focus areas will guide IVETA’s efforts in advancing TVET and empowering individuals through global collaboration and innovation.
Q. How many countries are currently members of IVETA, and what common challenges have you addressed so far?
A. IVETA’s membership is divided into three categories: student members, individual members, and organizational members. While IVETA has made significant strides in expanding its global presence, there is still a need for more members to promote TVET. One of the challenges we face is changing the societal perception of TVET. The current perception of TVET often differs from its true impact. In today’s globalized world, TVET is a driving force behind economic growth and development. Therefore, it is crucial to expand our membership to help propagate the importance and value of TVET to society and the world at large.
Furthermore, under my leadership, IVETA is open to collaborations. We welcome joint events and programs that aim to enhance and promote the quality of TVET.
Also read: Importance of Vocational Teacher Training in TVET
Q. Could you please explain the process of how to become a member?
A. Students from educational institutions can join through a straightforward online registration process on the IVETA website (iveta.global). The fees are as follows: student membership costs $30 annually, individual membership is $60 per year, and organizational membership is $400 annually, covering 3 to 6 members.
Membership benefits include access to the IVETA Journal, free participation in webinars, discounted rates for regional and international conferences, free consultancy services, and access to the Membership Directory for networking. Additionally, members can apply for the TVET Innovation and Improvement Fund to support projects aligned with IVETA’s mission. Being a member of IVETA for over 12 years has provided me with incredible opportunities, from fully sponsored international events to significant roles within the organization. Joining IVETA brings numerous professional advantages and global exposure for TVET experts and institutions.
Q. Is there anything else you wish to mention to our audience?
A. One key area we must address is the gender imbalance in TVET. It’s crucial to promote gender equality across all sectors. For example, in industries like catering, we need more male participation, while in fields like engineering, we need to encourage more females to join. Bridging this gender gap is a priority for me as President of Iveta.
Lastly, IVETA is open to collaboration. If you have any proposals, feel free to contact us, we can work towards advancing TVET and creating a better world. With shared vision and dedication, we can make a positive impact through skill development.
