NIGERIA: FG Revamps Technical Education Curriculum, Introduces 26 New Trade Areas

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Federal Government has announced a major development of the technical education curriculum aimed at equipping Nigerian youth with the skills needed for future jobs.

The reform, unveiled on Wednesday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Swaibu Sa’id Ahmad, will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session across all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs).

According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, the new structure will see the colleges operate fully as technical institutions, offering between six and ten trade courses, alongside nine to ten general subjects.

The statement noted: “From the 2025/2026 academic session, all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) will operate fully as technical colleges, offering between 6–10 trade courses and 9–10 subjects. These include core subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and new additions like Citizenship and Heritage Studies, alongside electives and trade-related courses.”

A total of 26 trade areas have been streamlined and modernised to reflect industry needs. These include Solar PV Installation and Maintenance, Fashion Design and Garment Making, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Livestock Farming, Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, Creative Media, Social Media Content Creation and Management, and Leather Works, among others.

Explaining the vision behind the initiative, Dr. Alausa said: “The reform is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which targets driving Nigeria’s economy to one trillion dollars by 2030. The new curriculum will better position students to compete in the global economy, ensuring they are gainfully employed and contributing meaningfully to national development.”

The ministry assured parents, schools, and students of its full support in ensuring a smooth transition into the new technical education framework.