The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has attributed the sharp rise in enrolment across Nigeria’s technical colleges to the Federal Government’s ongoing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reforms.
Also read: 10-year-old Nigerian Fencer Leah-Pedro shines in Canada
Speaking on Wednesday during the monitoring of NABTEB practical examinations at the Federal Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, the Registrar of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu, said the reforms are encouraging more students to embrace technical education and acquire industry-relevant skills.
Dr. Aminu, who also inspected the Government Technical College, Epe, commended the Lagos State Government for providing quality learning facilities and maintaining conducive environments for technical education. He noted that well-equipped workshops and properly maintained infrastructure are essential to producing competent and highly skilled graduates.
According to the registrar, technical colleges play a critical role in developing self-reliant youths capable of creating employment opportunities rather than relying solely on white-collar jobs. He stressed that vocational education remains one of the most effective tools for tackling unemployment and driving economic growth.
He also praised the Federal Technical College, Yaba, for maintaining high academic and technical standards, describing the institution as one that equips students with practical knowledge needed to become future employers of labour.
Highlighting the importance of practical examinations, Dr. Aminu said hands-on learning remains the foundation of technical education, adding that countries with strong industrial economies achieved their success through sustained investment in vocational and technical training.
He urged Nigeria to strengthen its technical education system to build local capacity for maintaining infrastructure, manufacturing machinery, and producing skilled professionals capable of supporting national industrialisation.
The NABTEB boss further commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for championing reforms in the TVET sector, expressing confidence that sustained investment over the next decade would significantly reduce unemployment and improve national productivity.
Drawing lessons from China’s industrial growth, Dr. Aminu encouraged Nigeria to invest more in technical skills development, noting that the country’s large domestic market provides enormous opportunities for industrial expansion driven by a skilled workforce.
He disclosed that enrolment for NABTEB examinations increased significantly from 92,260 candidates in 2025 to approximately 167,000 candidates in 2026, describing the growth as a direct outcome of the government’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education.
To further improve practical learning, Dr. Aminu said technical colleges have identified industries within their host communities to provide students with safer and more accessible industrial attachment opportunities, thereby enhancing workplace experience.
He also assured candidates that the results of the National Common Entrance Examination would be released according to schedule, adding that the selection and placement of successful candidates is expected to commence on July 28.
The registrar emphasised that technological advancement requires continuous upgrading of workshop equipment and learning facilities, noting that the Federal Government is investing in modern tools while encouraging institutions to adopt innovation and improvisation where necessary.
Leave a Comment