The Nigerian Government has embarked on a comprehensive review of the syllabus for technical colleges across the nation after a fourteen-year hiatus.
The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has introduced 14 new subjects to its examination syllabus in this effort.
At a stakeholders’ workshop organised by NABTEB in Abuja on Monday, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, emphasised the vital role of vocational education and entrepreneurial skills in addressing the country’s high unemployment rate.
Sununu also stressed the importance of stakeholders grasping the evolving dynamics of the job market.
The event, titled ‘Workshop for the 2024 Syllabus Review of Technical Colleges’, drew participants from the vocational and technical education sub-sector nationwide.
The Education Minister cautioned against the lengthy intervals between curriculum reviews for basic and secondary education, which, he said, could have detrimental effects on the nation. He drew attention to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to update outdated curricula.
Collaborative Efforts for Educational Reform
Sununu announced that, in the coming days, the National Educational Research Development Council (NERDC), in partnership with the National Secondary School Education Commission (NSSEC), would begin reviewing basic and secondary curricula to align with contemporary needs.
Also speaking at the event, NABTEB’s Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Prof Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe, stated that this review aligns with the Federal Government’s push for innovation and skills empowerment, particularly within the education sector.
Isiugo-Abanihe explained that the review aims to ensure that the training of artisans, craftsmen, and master craftsmen meets current industry demands.
Acting Head of the Examinations Development Department at NABTEB, Folasade Idowu in her welcome address, outlined the 14 trade areas for curriculum development.
These include: Motor Vehicle (021), Electrical Installation (041), Welding and Fabrication (051), Mechanical Engineering Craft (068), Electronic System and Maintenance (071), Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (081), and Computer and GSM Repairs (171).
Other areas are Carpentry and Joinery (221), Bricklaying/Blocklaying and Concreting (212), Plumbing and Pipe Fitting (261), Cosmetology (311), Catering Craft (341), Fashion Design (331), and Renewable Energy (625).