NABTEB Begins Review of 26 Trade Syllabi for Technical Colleges
The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has started a major review and validation of 26 trade syllabi for technical colleges across Nigeria. The five-day exercise, which began in Abuja on Monday, is designed to modernize technical education and align it with global standards.
NABTEB Registrar, Dr Mohammed Mohammed, explained that the updated syllabi will prepare students with skills that are relevant to today’s economy. He said the 26 trades include both new technologies and traditional fields, ranging from robotics, coding, and machine learning to automotive mechatronics, smart agriculture, electrical and solar PV installations, and cinematography.
According to him, the selection reflects Nigeria’s urgent need for a skilled workforce that can thrive in both traditional industries and emerging sectors. He also emphasized the importance of sustainability, pointing out that the inclusion of solar PV installations and smart agriculture shows NABTEB’s commitment to environmentally friendly development.
Mohammed also commended the strong partnership between NABTEB and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), saying inter-agency collaboration was crucial for strengthening technical and vocational education. He praised the contributions of industry stakeholders and urged them to continue providing internships, mentorship, and workplace learning opportunities for students.
He assured that NABTEB would support the new syllabi with teacher training, assessment tools, and strict quality assurance measures to ensure smooth implementation across technical colleges.
Also speaking, Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of NBTE, represented by Hajia Hajara Abdulkadri, stressed that proper implementation of the new syllabi is key to preparing young Nigerians with the skills needed for today’s rapidly changing economy.
Representing principals of Federal Technical Colleges, Frank Omale, who is principal of FTC, Orozo, described the review as a milestone. He said principals are ready to support the new curricula and will continue to guide students to become both skilled and responsible citizens.
Dr Muyibat Olodu, Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, represented by Mr Kola Osundeyi, also highlighted the importance of practical training, new technologies, and innovative teaching methods. She noted that the review would help raise the quality of Nigeria’s technical education to meet international standards and the demands of the labour market.
This review marks a crucial step in improving Nigeria’s vocational and technical education system, ensuring that young people are better equipped with skills that match the needs of industries and support the nation’s long-term development goals.
