The Federal Government has announced a reform in technical education aimed at securing a brighter future for Nigerian youth. The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Swaibu Sa’id Ahmad, revealed that the reform will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic year across all Federal Science and Technical Colleges.
According to the announcement, these schools will now operate fully as Federal Technical Colleges. Each college will offer between six and ten trade courses, while students will take a total of nine to ten subjects.
The subjects will include one trade course, five or six general subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Citizenship and Heritage Studies, two or three trade-related subjects, and one elective.
Dr. Alausa stated that the move was necessary to reduce overload, build stronger trade competencies, and align with global standards. “This reform is designed to prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of the future,” he explained. He added that the introduction of Citizenship and Heritage Studies, which merges Nigerian History, Civic Education, and Social Studies, will ensure students remain rooted in national values while learning practical skills.
A total of 26 trade areas have been streamlined and modernized to reflect industry demand. These trades include Solar PV Installation and Maintenance, Fashion Design and Garment Making, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Livestock Farming, Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, Creative Media, Social Media Content Creation and Management, Leather Works, and other skill areas vital to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The reform also seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing, services, and digital economy by focusing on trades that match market needs. By equipping students with these skills, the Ministry of Education aims to boost employability, entrepreneurship, and industrial productivity.
Dr. Alausa highlighted that the reform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said, “This is about building a system that supports our youth to compete globally. The new curriculum is carefully designed to make sure our students are not just employable but are also contributors to national development. It is in line with the vision of growing Nigeria’s economy to one trillion dollars by 2030.”
Professor Swaibu Sa’id Ahmad further noted that the transition would be smooth as the Ministry has provided guidelines and full support for schools, parents, and students.
He assured stakeholders that the government is committed to making technical education more relevant to the realities of today’s economy.
The Ministry has also released the comprehensive list of trade areas to guide schools and stakeholders.
1. Brick Laying, Block Laying and Concreting
2. Woodwork, Carpentry and Joinery
3. Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
4. Computer Hardware & GSM Repair and Maintenance
5. Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Works
6. Mechanized Agriculture (Mechanics or Operations/ Smart Agriculture)
7. Autobody Works
8. Catering Craft Practice
9. Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
10. Fashion Design and Garment making
11. Livestock Farming/Animal Husbandry
12. Fish Farming Activity (Aquaculture)
13. Motorcycle & Tricycle Repairs
14. Painting Decoration and Finishes (Interior Design)
15. Welding & Fabrication
16. Auto-Electrical Wiring
17. Auto-Mobile Mechanics
18. Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology
19. Creative Media (Digital Media Production)
20. Electronic Systems Maintenance Craft
21. Furniture Making & Upholstery
22. Networking & System Security (Satellite TV Antenna installation and maintenance)
23. Social Media Content Creation and Management
24. Tiling & Cladding (Tilling and decorative stonework or Floor cover installation)
25. Automobile CNG Conversion and Maintenance
26. Leather Works