NABTEB Boss Calls for Revival of Vocational Training to Boost Nigeria’s Economy

NABTEB Boss Calls for Revival of Vocational Training to Boost Nigeria’s Economy

The Registrar and Chief Executive of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Mohammed Aminu, has emphasized the need to revive vocational and trade centres across Nigeria, stating that prioritising technical education could significantly transform the nation’s economy.

Dr. Aminu made the remarks during a press briefing at the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Lagos, where he monitored the ongoing May/June 2025 NABTEB examinations, including the National Business Certificate (NBC) and National Technical Certificate (NTC)

He also visited Government Technical College (GTC), Agidingbi, Lagos, and expressed concern over the country’s neglect of vocational training, warning that such oversight could hinder national development.

“In developed countries, paper qualifications are less important. What matters is your skill. Most industry artisans today were never properly trained.

As an engineer, I supervise in the workshop, but maintaining those machines is the duty of artisans and craftsmen,” he said.

Dr. Aminu commended the Lagos State Government for its efforts in supporting technical education, describing the state as a model others should emulate.

“Lagos has set a strong example. I urge other states to emulate this level of commitment and standard.

There is discipline and order. The Lagos of today is clean, organised and progressive. I commend the government for this transformation,” he said.

He praised the availability of modern tools in Lagos workshops, which he said position students to meet current technological demands. He called on other states to invest similarly in technical infrastructure.

“No serious country neglects trade centres, vocational institutions or technical colleges,” he stressed.

Encouraging students to remain focused and ambitious, he added, “You could become one of the best technicians, or even a future governor or president.”

Dr. Aminu urged Nigerians to support the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa’s nationwide campaign to promote Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), which he said would increase employment, grow the GDP, and reduce reliance on white-collar jobs.

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“He recently launched a TVET scheme to provide youths with industry-relevant skills, focusing on practical learning and job readiness,” he explained.

FSTC Principal, Mrs. Ajayi Adebimpe, also spoke during the visit, stressing the relevance of vocational education. She said most of the school’s vocational projects are student-led, demonstrating practical knowledge and innovation.

“Our students make their own tables, desks, and notebooks. This hands-on learning has greatly helped us,” she said.

Adebimpe called on private organisations to collaborate with the government to expand TVET opportunities, especially through the construction of hostels and classrooms, noting that demand currently outweighs 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 said.