NABTEB Begins Review of Syllabuses for 26 Trades in Technical Colleges

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced the review and validation of syllabuses for 26 trade areas taught in technical colleges across Nigeria.

The five-day exercise, which kicked off on Monday in Abuja, is bringing together education regulators, curriculum experts, principals of technical colleges, and key industry stakeholders to align technical education with national development goals and global best practices.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, described the initiative as a landmark reform in technical and vocational education.

“It is with immense pleasure and profound gratitude that I welcome you to this historic ceremony for the comprehensive review and validation of twenty-six specialised trade syllabi for our technical colleges,” he said.

Dr. Mohammed noted that the exercise reflects Nigeria’s deliberate strategy to position Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a driver of industrial growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable national development.

He stressed that the updated syllabuses would equip students with 21st-century skills, enhance employability, and ensure technical college graduates remain relevant in an increasingly competitive labour market.

According to NABTEB, the trades under review span various critical sectors, including engineering, construction, electrical works, ICT, business, and creative industries.

The validation process is expected to capture industry feedback, close skills gaps, and strengthen the link between schools and workplaces.

Industry experts at the event lauded the review, describing it as timely, given the fast-changing demands of the job market and Nigeria’s push to diversify its economy beyond oil.

The review is scheduled to be concluded at the end of the week, with the revised syllabuses to be adopted nationwide ahead of future technical examinations.