The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, has hailed the federal government’s renewed focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a transformative strategy to bridge Nigeria’s skills gap.
Speaking during the June edition of the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN) virtual dialogue, Bugaje stressed that the revamped TVET framework is tailored to meet both local and global industry needs in sectors such as oil and gas, transportation, and construction.
Bugaje outlined that beyond reducing unemployment, the initiative is aimed at creating opportunities for Nigerian youths to secure employment abroad, thereby contributing to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. “This is not just about local job creation. We are looking at international mobility for our skilled workforce,” he stated during the event themed ‘Interrogating Nigeria’s New Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET)’.
The dialogue attracted key education stakeholders, including Dr. Ibraheem Abdul of YABATECH, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu of CONUA, and EWAN members. EWAN Chairman, Mojeed Alabi, noted that the public had raised several questions about the initiative’s beneficiaries, structure, and rollout plan.
He lamented the lack of vocational orientation among youths, many of whom turn to commercial motorcycle or tricycle riding due to limited alternatives, while skilled artisans are increasingly sourced from neighbouring countries.
Providing further clarity, Bugaje described the renewed TVET as central to President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. He expressed concern over the underdevelopment of technical education in Nigeria, revealing that only 129 technical colleges currently exist in contrast to over 15,000 senior secondary schools. “Less than one percent of our secondary schools are technical—this imbalance must be corrected,” he warned.
To address this, the federal government has commenced a rebranding exercise for its 38 Federal Science and Technical Colleges, shifting their focus entirely to technical trades. Previously dominated by science students, these institutions will now exclusively admit students seeking vocational training, with assessments conducted by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
Bugaje introduced a tiered curriculum structure—TVET 1, 2, and 3—mirroring the senior secondary school system. Enrolled students will receive full government support, including free tuition, accommodation, meals, stipends, and paid industrial attachments. This support package underscores the administration’s recognition that technical expertise must be acquired through hands-on, real-world training experiences.
Looking ahead, the federal government plans to establish 36 additional technical colleges, raising the total number to 74 pilot institutions. Bugaje expressed optimism that the reform will spur wider interest and investment in technical education. “As we strengthen these colleges, we anticipate higher demand and hope state governments will begin converting conventional schools into technical ones,” he said.
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