In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s workforce and prepare young people for the jobs of tomorrow, the Federal Government has announced a sweeping curriculum revamp for technical education.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Mamman Tahir Aliuasa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Sawaibla Sa’id Ahmad, unveiled the reforms, which will apply to all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year.
Under the new structure, each FSTC will operate fully as a Federal Technical College, offering between six and ten trade courses, alongside core subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Citizenship and Heritage Studies. Students will also take at least two trade-related subjects and one elective.
The reform streamlines and modernizes 26 trade areas to meet evolving industry demands. These include Solar PV Installation and Maintenance, Fashion Design and Garment Making, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Livestock Farming, Cosmetology, Creative Media Content Creation, and Mechatronics.
According to the Ministry, the changes are aimed at reducing overload, building global-standard competencies, and ensuring Nigeria’s youth are better positioned to compete in the global economy. The reforms will also focus on students’ innovation and entrepreneurship skills, with strengthened citizenship and heritage education.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Aliuasa highlighted that the reforms were aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and in line with government’s target to lift millions of Nigerians into productive employment by 2030.
The Ministry assured that schools, parents, and students would receive full support for a smooth transition, emphasizing that the updated trade areas and curriculum represent a comprehensive and future-driven framework for Nigeria’s technical education system.
