The Federal Government has partnered with Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education Services to improve Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training system through advanced training programmes and the adoption of global standards.
The agreement was formalised by the Federal Ministry of Education as part of efforts to strengthen technical education and equip Nigerian institutions with modern teaching methods and international best practices.
The partnership was signed during a virtual ceremony connecting officials in Abuja and Singapore. Nigeria was represented by the National Board for Technical Education, while Singapore was represented by the Institute of Technical Education Services.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the collaboration builds on earlier engagements between both countries.
The statement explained that discussions began during the 2025 visit of Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, to Singapore. During the visit, the minister met Singapore’s Minister of Education, Desmond Lee, and also toured ITEES campuses to explore areas of cooperation.
Further discussions with Singapore’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lim Seng, later helped finalise the agreement.
Under the new partnership, ITEES will support the development of Nigeria’s technical education workforce through specialised training initiatives.
According to the ministry, “Under the partnership, ITEES will implement a Train-the-Trainer Programme to strengthen the pedagogical and assessment capacity of TVET instructors across Nigeria.”
The programme is designed to improve the teaching skills of instructors in technical institutions, ensuring they can deliver practical and industry-relevant training to students.
The agreement also includes leadership development for administrators in Nigerian technical institutions.
The ministry noted that the partnership will provide “leadership training in Singapore for principals and heads of departments and the introduction of the Global Excellence Model for Skills Training (GEMSET) to benchmark Nigerian institutions against international standards.”
Officials said the initiative is aimed at repositioning technical education as a major driver of economic development and employment opportunities.
The statement added that the collaboration supports efforts “to reposition technical education as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and industrial development.”
The ministry emphasised that strengthening technical education remains a key priority as Nigeria seeks to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting industrial expansion and national development.
