The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has introduced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum for National Diploma (ND) programmes as part of efforts to equip students with future-ready digital skills and strengthen technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
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The initiative is aimed at preparing polytechnic students for emerging careers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation and other technology-driven industries while aligning technical education with global labour market demands.
According to the Board, the new curriculum is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in AI. It will cover key areas such as machine learning, data analysis, AI model development, ethics in artificial intelligence, prompt engineering and the application of AI solutions across various industries.
NBTE said the curriculum forms part of its broader strategy to modernise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria and ensure graduates possess the digital competencies required by employers in an increasingly technology-driven economy. The Board noted that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, making it essential for students to acquire relevant skills before entering the workforce.
The Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, said the Board is also developing a national strategy for integrating AI into technical education. According to him, the strategy focuses on five key areas: AI for teaching, learning and assessment; AI for curriculum development and educational resources; AI for quality assurance and accreditation; AI for skills forecasting and labour market alignment; and AI governance, ethics and data protection.
As part of the implementation process, NBTE recently collaborated with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) to validate AI-generated learning materials for National Diploma programmes. The partnership produced 12 curriculum-aligned e-books for the Science Laboratory Technology programme, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can support the development of quality educational resources while maintaining academic standards.
The Board also disclosed plans to expand AI integration across other technical and vocational disciplines, strengthen digital literacy among educators and establish a national AI-powered repository of teaching resources. It further recommended the adoption of AI-enabled virtual laboratories and simulation platforms to enhance practical learning for students.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward preparing Nigerian graduates for the future of work. They noted that integrating AI into National Diploma programmes will not only improve students’ technical capabilities but also enhance innovation, entrepreneurship and competitiveness within Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
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