The Federal Government has begun a nationwide review and validation of trade syllabuses for technical colleges to bring vocational education in line with labour market needs.
The exercise, which covers 26 trade areas, was launched in Abuja during a workshop convened by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Executive Secretary of NABTEB, Mohammed Aminu, said the review was designed to equip students with practical skills demanded by emerging industries.
He listed the focus areas to include robotics, coding, machine learning, automotive mechatronics, smart agriculture, creative media production, and solar photovoltaic installation.
According to him, the inclusion of new trade subjects reflects Nigeria’s commitment to renewable energy, sustainable technology, 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.
