The Federal Government of Nigeria has released a comprehensive list of 26 trade areas approved under its revised technical education curriculum. According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, the new curriculum will convert all Federal Science and Technical Colleges into Federal Technical Colleges beginning with the 2025/2026 academic year. This overhaul aims to modernize the technical education sector to meet current industry demands across construction, energy, agriculture, automotive, creative media, and digital services.

Under the revised curriculum, each college must offer a minimum of six and a maximum of ten trade courses. Students will take between nine and ten subjects, comprising one core trade, five to six general subjects, two to three trade‑related subjects, and one elective. Citizenship and Heritage Studies will be introduced alongside core science and language subjects to reduce overload, strengthen trade competencies, and align with global standards.

The approved trades span a wide range of fields, including brick laying, woodwork, plumbing, computer hardware and GSM repair, refrigeration and air‑conditioning, mechanized agriculture, autobody work, and solar PV installation and maintenance. Additional trades cover fashion design, livestock farming, fish farming, motorcycle and tricycle repairs, and beauty therapy and cosmetology. The full list of 26 trades is designed to prepare young Nigerians for future jobs and respond to current industry needs.

This reform marks a major overhaul of Nigeria’s technical education sector. By introducing new trades and streamlining the curriculum, the government expects a positive impact on the economy and workforce. The revised curriculum aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to compete in the global job market and to address unemployment by providing industry‑relevant competencies.