The Federal Government has upgraded 38 federal and state technical colleges as part of its ongoing reforms to provide Nigerian youths with skills that meet international standards.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known on Monday during the 2025 Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement on the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), held in Abuja.
Alausa said the move aims to transition Nigeria’s education system toward a skill-driven and knowledge-based economy. A dual-training model has been introduced, allowing students to spend 80% of their time on practical sessions and 20% in classroom learning. Artisans will also be paid to mentor trainees, creating a new value chain within the education ecosystem.
“Our goal is to train 5 million young Nigerians with globally relevant skills within four years,” said Alausa. He added that NESRI addresses gaps in access, quality, inclusivity, research, and professional development.
The minister highlighted existing challenges, including 15 million out-of-school children and more than 45 million considered learning poor. He noted that adolescent girls, especially the 6 million aged 12–19 who are out of school, remain a priority in the reform efforts.
Alausa also revealed that NECO and WAEC will begin conducting computer-based tests (CBT) from November 2025, with full digitisation of all national examinations, including JAMB, expected by 2027 to combat exam malpractice and improve credibility.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, stressed the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in closing Nigeria’s skills gap. “We have seen companies hiring 60 per cent of their workforce from abroad. That must change,” she said.
Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chair of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, assured stakeholders of legislative backing, describing education as “the heart of national transformation.” (NAN)
What you should know
The federal government’s effort to upgrade 38 technical colleges and introduce hands-on training reflects a strategic shift toward vocational and practical education.
With a goal of training 5 million youths in four years, this reform seeks to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global workforce.
The integration of CBT for national exams by 2027 aims to reduce malpractice and enhance transparency. Moreover, with over 15 million out-of-school children and 6 million adolescent girls out of school, the NESRI reform plan also addresses deep-rooted inequalities in access to education.
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