The Federal Government has expressed concern over persistently low enrolment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country, attributing the trend to lingering societal and parental indifference.
Minister of Education, Dr Morufu Olatunji Alausa, made this known at a three-day working session on the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) and selection process for Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs), held in Benin City, Edo State. Represented by the Director of Technology and Science Education, Dr. (Mrs.) M.A. Olodo, the Minister, stated that recent government efforts, including the introduction of free tuition in FTCs, have yet to reverse the low enrollment figures significantly. Alausa cited the launch of a National Policy on Skills Development as part of measures to improve enrolment and reposition technical education. He called for sustained advocacy and sensitisation to counter negative perceptions about vocational training.
He also reminded officials that the Federal Skills Training Centres (FSTCs) have now been formally upgraded to Federal Technical Colleges, following approval at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education meeting. Oversight of the colleges will now fall under the Department of Technology and Science Education.
Dr Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, Registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), identified poor infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and societal biases as significant factors contributing to the declining interest in technical education. According to him, 29,260 candidates participated in this year’s entrance examination. He urged successful applicants to check their results via the NABTEB portal and collect admission letters from their respective schools without delay. He called on all stakeholders involved in the selection process to prioritise merit and fairness.
