The National Business and Technical Examinations Board has commenced a comprehensive review and validation of 26 trade syllabi for technical colleges across the country in a bid to align Nigeria’s technical education with modern industry needs and global best practices.

The opening ceremony of the review workshop was held on Monday, at the National Commission for Colleges of Education in Abuja.

In his welcome address, NABTEB’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, described the initiative as a “historic moment in Nigeria’s journey towards educational excellence and economic transformation.”

Mohammed stressed the urgency of equipping technical education graduates with 21st-century skills that are directly applicable in the modern labor market.

“Today’s initiative responds directly to the challenges of the 21st century, ensuring our graduates possess skills that are immediately applicable in today’s dynamic labour market.

“The twenty-six trade areas under review represent critical sectors pivotal to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda and our quest for technological independence,” he said.

The revised trade syllabi span both emerging technologies and traditional vocations. They include disciplines such as Robotics, Coding and Machine Learning, Industrial Mechanics, Smart Agriculture, Cinematography and Creative Media Production, Automotive Mechatronics, Electrical and Solar PV Installations, Hospitality and Catering, Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, and Fisheries and Aquaculture.

According to the registrar, the inclusion of environmentally conscious programmes, such as Smart Agriculture and Solar PV Installations, reflects NABTEB’s commitment to sustainability.

“These programmes position Nigeria as a leader in green technology adoption while addressing critical challenges in energy and food security,” he noted.

He lauded the collaboration between NABTEB and the National Board for Technical Education, describing it as a model for inter-agency cooperation.

Mohammed also acknowledged the contributions of industry stakeholders in aligning the syllabi with market realities.

“Industry partners have provided invaluable insights into market demands and emerging trends, ensuring syllabi serve as practical roadmaps for career success,” he said.

He further outlined NABTEB’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the revised curricula through continuous educator training, quality assurance mechanisms, and collaboration with technical colleges to provide the required infrastructure and personnel.

“We will collaborate closely with technical colleges to ensure the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and qualified instructors are in place for high-quality programme delivery,” Mohammed assured.

He called on industry partners to actively support the implementation phase by offering internship opportunities, workplace learning experiences, and student mentorship.

The registrar expressed profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Education for providing leadership and policy support for technical education reform.

“Your commitment to educational excellence provides the enabling environment for this important initiative,” he stated.

He also thanked the NBTE, industry experts, and all stakeholders involved in the development process, acknowledging their “invaluable insights and dedication to ensuring these syllabi meet the highest standards of relevance and quality.”

Mohammed urged all participants in the exercise to approach the task with seriousness and a shared sense of responsibility. (PUNCH)