FG Revamps Technical Education, Introduces Modern Trade Courses to Prepare Youth for Future Jobs

The Federal Government has unveiled a sweeping reform of Nigeria’s technical education curriculum aimed at equipping young people with the skills required for future employment and national development.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, jointly announced the overhaul, which takes effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.

Under the new framework, all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) will transition into Federal Technical Colleges, each offering a minimum of six and a maximum of ten trade courses. Students will now take between nine and ten subjects, including one trade course, five or six general subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Citizenship and Heritage Studies, as well as two or three trade-related subjects and one elective.

A total of 26 streamlined and modernized trade areas have been introduced to reflect industry needs. These range from Solar PV Installation and Maintenance, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Livestock Farming, and Welding & Fabrication, to Creative Media, Social Media Content Creation and Management, Leather Works, and Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology.

Dr. Alausa noted that the reform is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s, Renewed Hope Agenda, which envisions building a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030. According to him, the curriculum overhaul will not only reduce subject overload but also strengthen trade competencies, align with global standards, and prepare Nigerian youth to thrive in the modern workforce.

“This curriculum positions our students to compete in the global economy. It will ensure that they are gainfully employed, self-reliant, and active contributors to Nigeria’s industrial, service, and digital sectors,” the minister said.

A significant innovation in the reform is the introduction of Citizenship and Heritage Studies, which merges Nigerian History, Civic Education, and Social Studies to instill strong national values alongside technical skills.

Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad stressed that the reforms are designed to respond to the country’s economic realities and industry demand. “Our priority is to ensure that the education system provides the competencies needed to power Nigeria’s economic growth and development,” she stated.

The Ministry of Education assured schools, parents, and students of full support during the transition period, with detailed subject and trade guidelines already issued for implementation.