The federal government through the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced conducting the entrance examination for the 2025 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme for federal technical colleges, with over 30,000 candidates participating nationwide.
Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, announced this while overseeing the examination at the Federal Technical College, Orozo, Abuja, on Saturday.
The NABTEB registrar described the TVET programme as an exciting initiative by the federal government, aimed at equipping Nigerian youth with skills relevant to the industry and transforming the country’s approach to human capital development.
Mohammed highlighted that the examination serves not only as a selection process for students, but also as a strategic tool for assessing individual strengths and matching them with specific trades.
“If you pass, we will evaluate your skills based on your scores. We have already gathered data from each candidate, which will help us determine if they are suited for fields like electrical installation, tailoring, solar maintenance, or other vocational areas,” the registrar said.
He further pointed out that the programme’s importance lies in its ability to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported skills, products, and services.
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“No nation can achieve economic success without skilled artisans, craftsmen, and technicians. They are essential to a country’s GDP.
“The time of relying solely on paper qualifications is coming to an end. We are now focused on ‘what can you offer?’”
Mohammed expressed concern over the trend of outsourcing basic construction jobs, such as tiling and POP installations, to foreign workers, despite the fact that Nigerian youth have the energy and potential to perform these tasks if properly trained and certified.
“Being part of the building industry is a significant opportunity. With initiatives like this, our young people will soon reclaim these roles and earn a good living,” he stated.
He revealed that the government’s plan includes creating a supportive environment for certified technical talents to work and thrive locally, mentioning major national projects like the gas pipeline initiative, which will increasingly depend on local artisans and technicians.
“But the question remains: are they certified? This is why this programme is crucial. Certification fosters trust. No one wants to invest their resources in unverified skills.”
He added that as part of the TVET programme, students will receive training lasting from six months to one year, depending on their chosen trade. Upon completion, they will be provided with starter packs and potential access to business loans.
“This initiative is not just about acquiring skills; it’s about creating jobs and empowering the economy. Those who finish the program can either find employment with the government or start their own businesses with our support,” Mohammed added.