NABTEB: Technical Education Enrolment in Nigeria Skyrockets by 300% – A Bold Leap Toward Youth Empowerment
In a powerful, unprecedented shift, Nigeria is witnessing a technical education revolution—and the numbers speak volumes.
The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has reported an explosive 300% surge in enrolment, following groundbreaking reforms introduced by the Federal Government to revamp the nation’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
This revelation came during a monitoring exercise at the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Uromi, Edo State, where Dr. Mohammed Mohammed, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, made the announcement through Mr. Pius Osaigbovo, NABTEB’s Director of Research and Quality Assurance.
“The Federal Government wants to give individuals a survival skill, a skill that is relevant, a skill that makes them employable and useful to themselves and society,” Osaigbovo emphasized with passion.
🎯 What’s Driving the Surge?
At the heart of this transformation lies a game-changing monthly stipend designed to make technical education financially attractive and accessible. The federal initiative was met with overwhelming enthusiasm—over 90,000 applications flooded the portal within just a week of its launch, a strong indicator of the hunger for opportunity among Nigeria’s youth.
But this is more than just numbers—this is national healing through skills.
A revolutionary reform in the curriculum now places 80% focus on hands-on, practical learning, with only 20% reserved for theory. This ensures that graduates leave not only with knowledge—but with work-ready, industry-relevant skills that position them for immediate employment or self-sufficiency.
“This isn’t just a programme,” one official noted, “it’s a rescue mission for a generation left behind by the old system.”
🎓 What Candidates Stand to Gain
According to Dr. Mohammed, students who complete the program won’t just leave with hopes—they’ll leave with two powerful qualifications:
- The National Technical or Business Certificate (NTC/NBC)
- The National Skills Qualification (NSQ) – a globally recognized, competency-based certificate.
This dual-certification system gives graduates a competitive edge in both local and international job markets.
The three-year programme, rooted in hands-on learning, is set to reshape Nigeria’s workforce—building an army of welders, technicians, artisans, and creative thinkers ready to rebuild the economy with real skills.
⚠️ Urgent Reminder: Registration Is Closed
NABTEB has confirmed that only candidates who completed their registration before the portal closed on June 12 are eligible to sit for the examinations. The high demand meant strict enforcement of this deadline, underscoring the urgency surrounding this new phase of education reform.
🧠 Why It Matters
Nigeria stands at a pivotal crossroads. As millions of young people battle joblessness, the government’s renewed commitment to TVET is not just a policy—it’s a lifeline.
These reforms promise to bridge the long-standing disconnect between classroom education and labor market needs. They also serve as a blueprint for sustainable empowerment, transforming Nigeria’s youth from job seekers to job creators.
“This initiative is not just about schooling—it’s about survival, dignity, and destiny,” Dr. Mohammed concluded.
✅ Final Thought
If this momentum holds—and all signs suggest it will—Nigeria could soon become a hub of skilled talent, producing a generation of professionals with the tools to compete, innovate, and transform their communities.
Are you considering a career in technical or vocational education? Discover how new government reforms can boost your employability and secure your future.
[Learn how to enroll now →]
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