The Federal Government has initiated a nationwide review and validation of trade curricula in technical colleges to align vocational education with current labour market demands.
The review, which spans 26 trade disciplines, was launched in Abuja during a workshop organized by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), under the oversight of the Federal Ministry of Education.
NABTEB’s Executive Secretary, Mohammed Aminu, explained that the objective is to equip students with hands-on skills relevant to emerging industries.
He highlighted key focus areas such as robotics, coding, machine learning, automotive mechatronics, smart agriculture, creative media production, and solar photovoltaic systems.
Aminu noted that the introduction of these new trade subjects underscores Nigeria’s dedication to renewable energy, sustainable technologies, and economic diversification.
“This initiative responds directly to the 21st-century challenges, ensuring our graduates possess skills that are immediately applicable to today’s dynamic labour markets,” Aminu stated.
He explained that NABTEB would also train educators, design assessment tools, and enforce quality assurance to support the new syllabuses. He further urged industry players to provide internships and mentorship opportunities to technical students.
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Idris Bugaje, represented by Hajara AbdulKadir, said the review was consistent with the board’s “skills, not degrees” campaign.
Bugaje stressed that the effective implementation of the revised syllabuses would provide Nigerian youths with competencies required to adapt to the changing economy.
“The review of this curriculum is a vital step in ensuring that our graduates are equipped with the most current skills as required by our evolving economy,” he said.
Principals of Federal Technical Colleges also pledged their support for the reforms. Speaking on their behalf, Frank Omale said the alignment of technical education with industrial needs was necessary for national development.
He assured that principals would continue to guide students to acquire globally competitive skills.
This review follows a 2024 government-led overhaul that introduced 14 new subjects, including welding, renewable energy, cosmetology, and fashion design. It forms part of broader reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which also include the introduction of stipends for students, the upgrading of technical colleges, and plans to digitalise examinations by 2027.
