Around 30,000 candidates participated in the 2025 entrance exam into Federal Technical Colleges, signaling renewed interest in vocational education.
The initiative aims to equip youths with practical skills, reduce reliance on foreign labor, and drive local economic transformation.
About 30,000 candidates across Nigeria took part in the 2025 entrance examination for admission into Federal Technical Colleges. The exam, which was held on Saturday, is part of a nationwide effort by the Federal Government to boost technical and vocational education.
The examination was organized by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB). The board’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohammed Mohammed, gave insights into the exercise while supervising the exam at the Federal Technical College in Orozo, Abuja.
Dr. Mohammed described the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program as an important initiative aimed at preparing young Nigerians with hands-on skills that match industry needs. According to him, the goal goes beyond selecting students, it focuses on identifying each individual’s talent and aligning them with specific vocational trades.
He explained that the examination is structured to help determine the natural strengths of candidates and guide them toward suitable career paths in areas like tailoring, solar technology, electrical installations, and other skilled trades. Data collected from the candidates will play a key role in making these placements.
“This program is part of a larger plan to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign professionals for basic technical services,” he said. “We are training our young people to fill these gaps, become productive, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
Dr. Mohammed expressed concern over the trend of relying on foreign workers for jobs such as tiling, painting, or plaster ceiling installations, tasks he believes Nigerian youths are more than capable of handling with the right training.
He stressed that skilled professions form the backbone of any thriving economy and that relying only on paper qualifications is no longer sufficient in today’s job market. “What matters now is what a person can do, not just what certificate they have,” he noted.
Under the TVET scheme, admitted students will go through training sessions ranging from six months to a year, depending on their area of specialization. After completing their programs, they will be equipped with starter packs to begin work immediately. In addition, they may be given access to small business loans to help kickstart their own ventures.
“This is more than just learning skills. It’s about creating jobs, boosting self-reliance, and improving the country’s economy,” Dr. Mohammed said.
He also confirmed that preparations are in place to accommodate the expected number of students in the technical colleges. A dedicated selection committee involving school principals, NABTEB representatives, and officials from the Federal Ministry of Education will supervise the admission process.
Dr. Mohammed concluded by stating that the exam results would be ready within three weeks.
