Mohammed Aminu, the registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), says Technical and Vocational Education and Training reforms are increasing enrolment in technical colleges nationwide.

Mr Aminu spoke on Wednesday while monitoring NABTEB practical examinations at Federal Technical College, Yaba, Lagos. He had earlier inspected Government Technical College, Epe, where he assessed facilities and learning conditions.

The registrar commended the Lagos government for providing quality facilities and maintaining clean technical college environments. He described effective maintenance as essential to delivering quality technical education and developing skilled graduates.

Mr Aminu said technical colleges were vital for producing self-reliant graduates with practical skills for job creation. He stressed that graduates must be equipped to create employment opportunities rather than depend only on white-collar jobs.

The NABTEB chief praised Federal Technical College, Yaba, for maintaining high academic and technical standards. According to him, the institution prepares students to become future employers of labour after graduation.

Mr Aminu explained that practical examinations highlight the importance of hands-on learning in technical education. He noted that developed nations achieved industrial growth through sustained investment in vocational and technical training.

The registrar said Nigeria must strengthen technical education to enable skilled workers to maintain infrastructure locally. He added that the country should develop the capacity to manufacture equipment and machinery domestically.

Mr Aminu applauded education minister Tunji Alausa for advancing reforms in technical education. He said sustaining reforms over the next decade would reduce unemployment and improve productivity.

The NABTEB registrar said vocational training would expand opportunities for youths across different fields. He cited China’s industrial development as an example of successful technology adaptation and manufacturing growth.

Mr Aminu urged Nigeria to adopt similar strategies by investing in the development of technical skills. He said the nation’s large domestic market could support stronger industrial growth through skilled manpower.

The registrar disclosed that NABTEB enrolment rose from 92,260 candidates in 2025 to about 167,000 in 2026. He attributed the growth to the federal government’s TVET initiatives across technical colleges.

Mr Aminu explained that colleges had mapped nearby industries for safer industrial attachment opportunities. He said the arrangement would improve practical exposure while reducing challenges involving distant placements.

The registrar assured candidates that National Common Entrance Examination results would be released as scheduled.

“The selection and placement of successful candidates have been scheduled for July 28,” he added.

He noted that technological advancement required continuous upgrading of workshop equipment and facilities.

Mr Aminu said the government was providing new equipment while encouraging innovation and improvisation where necessary.

(NAN)