The Federal Government of Nigeria has released a comprehensive list of 26 trade areas that have been approved under its revised technical education curriculum. According to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education, the revised curriculum will transform all Federal Science and Technical Colleges into Federal Technical Colleges starting from the 2025/2026 academic year. This overhaul is aimed at modernizing the technical education sector to meet current industry demands across various sectors, including construction, energy, agriculture, automotive, creative media, and digital services.
The new curriculum requires each college to offer a minimum of six and a maximum of ten trade courses, with students expected to take between nine and ten subjects. These subjects include one core trade, five to six general subjects, two to three trade-related subjects, and one elective. The reform also introduces Citizenship and Heritage Studies alongside core science and language subjects, with the goal of reducing overload, building strong trade competencies, and aligning with global standards.
The approved trades include a range of areas such as brick laying, woodwork, plumbing, computer hardware and GSM repair, refrigeration and air-conditioning works, mechanized agriculture, autobody works, and solar PV installation and maintenance. Other trades include fashion design, livestock farming, fish farming, motorcycle and tricycle repairs, and beauty therapy and cosmetology. The full list of 26 approved trades is designed to prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of the future and respond to current industry demands.
The reform is significant as it marks a major overhaul of the technical education sector in Nigeria. The introduction of new trades and the streamlining of the curriculum are expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and workforce. With the implementation of the revised curriculum, the Federal Government aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete in the global job market. The move is also expected to address the issue of unemployment in the country by providing students with relevant skills that are in demand by industries.