The National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) has commenced the comprehensive review and validation of 26 trades syllabi for Technical Colleges in the country.
In his speech during the opening ceremony for the review and validation held at the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in Abuja, the Chief Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, said the event marked a great moment in Nigeria’s journey towards educational excellence and economic transformation through Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
“As we gather in this distinguished assembly, we are participating in a transformative initiative that will reshape the landscape of technical education in our nation.
“This exercise represents our collective commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s technical education system remains dynamic, relevant, and aligned with both national development objectives and international best practices,” Mohammed said.
He said that the NABTEB, in its statutory role as the premier examining body for technical and business education in the country, has recognised that the body’s assessment frameworks must evolve to meet the demands of the modern economy.
Mohammed said: “Today’s initiative responds directly to the 21st Century’s challenges, ensuring our graduates possess skills that are immediately applicable in today’s dynamic labour market.
“The 26 trade areas under review represent critical sectors pivotal to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda and our quest for technological independence.
“These trades, developed by the National Board for Technical Education, span emerging technologies and traditional crafts: Robotics, Coding and Machine Learning, Industrial Mechanics, Smart Agriculture, Cinematography and Creative Media Production, Social Media Communications and Digital Media Production.
“Others are Automotive Mechatronics, Electrical and Solar PV Installations, Hospitality and Catering, Mechanized Agriculture, Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and many others.
“This comprehensive selection reflects our understanding that Nigeria’s economic future depends on a skilled workforce capable of operating across traditional and emerging sectors.
“The inclusion of environmentally conscious programmes such as Solar PV Installations and Smart Agriculture demonstrates our commitment to sustainable development.
“These programmes position Nigeria as a leader in green technology adoption while addressing critical challenges in energy and food security.
“This initiative exemplifies the power of collaborative partnership in educational development. The seamless cooperation between NABTEB and NBTE demonstrates effective inter-agency collaboration in advancing technical education.”
He noted that industry partners had provided invaluable insights into market demands and emerging trends, to ensure that the syllabi serve as practical roadmaps for career success.
He said: “Successful implementation requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders. NABTEB commits to providing comprehensive educator training, developing appropriate assessment tools, and ensuring quality assurance throughout implementation.
“We will collaborate closely with technical colleges to ensure necessary infrastructure, equipment, and qualified instructors for high-quality programme delivery.
“Our monitoring and evaluation systems will provide continuous feedback supporting ongoing improvements and adaptations.
“Industry partnerships remain crucial for internship opportunities, workplace learning experiences, and employment pathways.
“We call upon industry stakeholders to actively participate in implementation and provide student mentorship.”
He lauded the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa,
for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for technical education in the country.
“Your commitment to educational excellence provides the enabling environment for this important initiative,” he said.
Also speaking, a representative of principals of Federal Technical Colleges (FTC), Frank Omale, described the initiative as “a milestone that would help align technical education with the aspirations of Nigeria.
Omale, who is also the principal, FTC, Orozo, pledged the support of principals to the successful implementation of the trade curricula, adding that they would continue to mentor and guide students to become skilled, disciplined and patriotic citizens.
On her part, the Director of Technology and Science Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Muyibat Olodu, represented by Mr Kola Osundeyi, said the review was expected to enhance the quality and effectiveness of technical education in line with industry needs and global standards.
She called on stakeholders to ensure that practical skills, emerging technologies and innovative teaching methods were fully integrated into the syllabi.
