The Federal Government has upgraded 38 technical colleges across Nigeria as part of a significant education reform aimed at equipping five million youths with practical skills over the next four years.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Monday, May 5, 2025, during the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement on the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) held in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa explained that the reform introduces a dual-training model in the upgraded colleges, where students spend 80% of their time on hands-on training and 20% in the classroom.
Artisans will mentor the trainees and receive payment for their services.
The initiative addresses the country’s skills gap and reduces reliance on foreign workers.
The minister also announced that starting in November 2025, the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will begin conducting computer-based tests (CBT).
By 2027, all national examinations, including those by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will be fully digitised to curb exam malpractice and enhance the integrity of the assessment process.
Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Ahmad noted that some companies currently employ up to 60% of their workforce outside Nigeria, a trend the government seeks to reverse through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Muntari Dandutse, pledged legislative support for the initiative, describing education as central to national transformation.
The NESRI reform also targets the 15 million out-of-school children and the over 45 million learners considered “learning poor,” with a focus on the six million adolescent girls aged 12 to 19 who are currently out of school.
Leave feedback about this