NABTEB to validate 26 technical trade syllabi in TVET reform

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) says it has commenced a comprehensive review and validation of 26 specialised trade syllabi.

Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, registrar of the board, was at the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in Abuja on Monday.

He was speaking during an opening ceremony unveiling the specialised trade syllabi.

Mohammed said the review is aimed at transforming technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to ensure Nigerian graduates acquire industry-relevant and applicable skills.

“The National Business and Technical Examination Board, in its statutory role as the premier examining body for technical and business education, recognises that our assessment frameworks must evolve to reflect and respond to industry-relevant competencies,” he said.

“This review exercise is, therefore, crucial in aligning our curricula with labour market demands, ensuring our graduates possess skills that are immediately applicable in today’s dynamic labour market.”

The registrar said the 26 trade areas under review cover sectors that are pivotal to Nigeria’s economic diversification and technological independence.

He listed them to include robotics, coding and machine learning, cinematography and creative media production, social media communications, medical laboratory technology, hospitality and catering, mechanised agriculture, beauty therapy and cosmetology, and fisheries and aquaculture.

Mohammed said the new syllabi are designed to reflect Nigeria’s vision of a technically proficient, adaptable, and environmentally conscious workforce.

He described TVET as the bedrock of a knowledge-driven economy and sustainable development, adding that the review would reposition NABTEB as a global leader in green technology and digital transformation.

He said NABTEB and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will work together to incorporate global best practices and ensure graduates are industry-ready.

He added that NABTEB will provide guidance, monitoring, evaluation, and opportunities for apprenticeships and internships as part of the implementation process.

Mohammed commended the minister of education for what he described as “visionary leadership and unwavering support” as well as industry stakeholders whose inputs, he said, had been invaluable.

He called on participants to approach the review exercise with seriousness and dedication, noting that the outcome would shape Nigeria’s industrial development roadmap.

“As we develop and validate these syllabi, we lay the foundation for a more prosperous, innovative, and self-reliant Nigeria,” he said.

“I am confident we will prepare our young people for modern economy success, while preserving values and traditions defining our national character.”

Idris Bugaje, the executive secretary of the NBTE, described the review of the curricula as timely.

Bugaje, who was represented at the event by Hadjara Abdulkadiri, said the exercise would ensure that Nigerian graduates in technical colleges are equipped with the right skills for the present and evolving global economy.

Frank Omale, who represented principals of federal technical colleges (FTC), described the initiative as “a milestone that would help align technical education with the aspirations of Nigeria”.

Omale, who is also the principal of FTC, Orozo, pledged the support of principals for the implementation of the trade syllabi.

He said they would continue to mentor and guide students to become skilled, disciplined, and patriotic citizens.

Muyibat Olodu, director of technology and science education in the federal ministry of education, said the review is expected to enhance the quality and effectiveness of technical education in line with industry needs and global best practices.

Olodu, who was represented by Kola Osundeyi, called on stakeholders to ensure that practical skills, emerging technologies, and innovative teaching methods are fully integrated into the syllabi.

On August 6, Mohammed said NABTEB is undergoing a strategic repositioning to enhance its relevance and credibility within Nigeria and globally.