The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced the review and validation of 26 trade syllabi for technical colleges.

Mohammed Mohammed, NABTEB registrar, at the five-day exercise in Abuja on Monday, said it was part of efforts to reposition technical education in line with global best practices.

Mr Mohammed described the review as a transformative initiative that would reshape the landscape of technical education in Nigeria.

He noted that the revised syllabi would ensure that graduates acquire skills relevant to the modern economy.

According to him, the 26 trade areas cut across both emerging technologies and traditional crafts, including robotics, coding and machine learning, automotive mechatronics, smart agriculture, electrical and solar PV installations, and cinematography, among others.

“This comprehensive selection reflects our understanding that Nigeria’s economic future depends on a skilled workforce capable of operating across traditional and emerging sectors.

“The inclusion of environmentally conscious programmes such as solar PV installations and smart agriculture demonstrates our commitment to sustainable development,” he said.

He commended the collaboration between NABTEB and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), describing it as a model for interagency partnership in advancing technical and vocational education.

The NABTEB boss also acknowledged the input of industry stakeholders in aligning the curricula with labour market demands and called for their continued participation in providing internship opportunities, mentorship, and workplace learning.

He assured that NABTEB would provide educator training, develop assessment tools, and maintain strict quality assurance during implementation.

On his part, Idris Bugaje, the executive secretary of NBTE, stressed that the reviewed syllabi must be effectively implemented across technical colleges to build a stronger foundation for vocational education.

Mr Bugaje, represented by Hajara Abdulkadri, a director in the agency, said the review was a vital step in achieving the vision of empowering Nigerian youths with the skills needed to thrive in the changing economy.

A representative of the principals of Federal Technical Colleges (FTC), Frank Omale, described the initiative as a milestone that would help align technical education with the aspirations of Nigeria.

Mr Omale, who is also the principal of FTC, Orozo, pledged the support of principals to the successful implementation of the trade curricula, adding that they would continue to mentor and guide students to become skilled, disciplined, and patriotic citizens.

In her remarks, Muyibat Olodu, the Director of Technology and Science Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, represented by Kola Osundeyi, called on stakeholders to ensure that practical skills, emerging technologies, and innovative teaching methods are fully integrated into the syllabi.

 (NAN)