Nigeria’s Registrar and Chief Executive of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Mohammed Aminu, has stated that prioritising vocational education and trade centres can help improve the country’s economy.
He made this statement while monitoring the ongoing 2025 May/June NABTEB examinations nationwide.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Aminu spoke to the media at the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) in Lagos, where he also toured the facilities alongside the Government Technical College (GTC) in Agidingbi, Lagos. The examinations being conducted include the National Business Certificate (NBC) and National Technical Certificate (NTC) for students in Lagos.
He stressed that nations neglecting vocational and technical education risk economic failure. “In developed countries, paper qualifications are less important. What matters is your skill. Most industry artisans today were never properly trained,” he said.
Aminu noted that artisans and craftsmen are critical to maintaining industries and machinery, stating,
“As an engineer, I supervise in the workshop, but maintaining those machines is the duty of artisans and craftsmen.”
Lagos Technical Colleges Show Progress in Skills Development
Reports indicate that Aminu expressed satisfaction with the technical colleges visited in Lagos. He praised the Lagos State government’s commitment to technical education and vocational training, describing Lagos as “clean, organised and progressive.” He urged other states to match Lagos’ example.
He added that workshops in Lagos are well-equipped with modern tools, enabling graduates to keep pace with technological trends and demands.
According to Aminu, this is crucial to ensure Nigeria keeps pace with global technological advancements.
“No serious country neglects trade centres, vocational institutions or technical colleges,” he said.
Students Encouraged to Embrace Technical Education
Aminu also encouraged students taking the examinations to remain committed, noting, “You could become one of the best technicians, or even a future governor or president.”
He also called on Nigerians to support the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in advancing Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) nationwide.
Aminu explained that the TVET scheme, recently launched by the Minister, focuses on providing youths with industry-relevant skills through practical learning and job readiness. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and employment while fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among young people.
FSTC Principal Calls for Increased Support and Expansion
Speaking at the event, FSTC Principal Mrs. Ajayi Adebimpe highlighted the importance of vocational education. She said most of the vocational projects at the college are completed by students, emphasising the practical aspect of their learning.
“Our students make their own tables, desks, and notebooks. This hands-on learning has greatly helped us,” she said.
Adebimpe urged parents to encourage their children to pursue technical and vocational education, stressing that it prepares students for self-reliance after graduation. She also called on private organisations to partner with the government to support TVET and expand opportunities for students.
She appealed for the construction of more hostels and classrooms, noting that many applicants are currently turned away due to limited capacity.
“We need every bit of support possible. The demand is high, and we don’t want to deny anyone access to this training,” she added.
