The Federal Government has introduced 26 approved trade areas for technical schools starting 2025/2026 session.
Officials say the reform modernizes technical education, boosts employability and aligns Nigerian students with global industry standards.
The Federal Ministry of Education has released a new list of 26 approved trade areas for technical schools as part of its revised curriculum, which will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Bon Folasade, all Federal Science and Technical Colleges will be converted to Federal Technical Colleges under the reform.
Announced by Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and Minister of State Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the reform mandates each college to offer between six and ten trade courses, alongside core science and language subjects. A new subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, has also been introduced.
Complete list of 26 approved trades
- Brick laying, block laying & concreting
- Woodwork, carpentry & joinery
- Plumbing & pipe fitting
- Computer hardware & GSM repair/maintenance
- Refrigeration & air-conditioning works
- Mechanised agriculture (mechanisation / smart agriculture)
- Autobody works
- Catering craft practice
- Solar PV installation & maintenance
- Fashion design & garment making
- Livestock farming/animal husbandry
- Fish farming (aquaculture)
- Motorcycle & tricycle repairs
- Painting, decoration & finishes (interior design)
- Welding & fabrication
- Auto-electrical wiring
- Automobile mechanics
- Beauty therapy & cosmetology
- Creative media (digital media production/operations)
- Electronic systems maintenance craft
- Furniture making & upholstery
- Networking & system security (including satellite TV antenna installation & maintenance)
- Social media content creation & management
- Tiling & cladding (decorative stonework / floor-cover installation)
- Automobile CNG conversion & maintenance
- Leather works
Subject requirements
Students will be required to take 9–10 subjects, which include:
- One core trade,
- Five to six general subjects,
- Two to three trade-related subjects, and
- One elective.
The ministry stated that the revision aligns Nigeria’s technical education with global industry standards and responds to demands across key sectors, including construction, energy, agriculture, automotive, creative media, and digital services.
“The reform is designed to reduce overload, build strong trade competencies, align with global standards, and prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of the future,” the statement read.
