Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government don upgrade 38 technical colleges for cross Nigeria as part of plan to boost youth employability and make the country skill-driven. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, make this announcement during the 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement on Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) on Monday.
Dis initiative na big part of the educational transformation strategy wey dey aim to equip young Nigerians with practical skills wey go fit global standards. Dr. Alausa talk say dem dey focus on practical learning for these upgraded colleges, with 80% of learning go dey hands-on while 20% go dey for classroom.
“Our reforms dey shift the focus from theory to practice,” the minister talk. “Dis way go better prepare students for di job market.” He also outline six strategic priorities for NESRI wey include improving literacy, reducing number of out-of-school children—especially girls, promoting inclusivity, strengthening quality assurance, reforming curricula, and digitizing education data.
To support technology-driven education, Alausa talk say from November 2025, di National Examinations Council (NECO) and di West African Examinations Council (WAEC) go begin computer-based tests (CBT). He expect full digitization of all national exams, including JAMB, by 2027 to curb malpractice and enhance transparency.
He also announce say dem go integrate artisans as mentors for technical programs, creating new value chain wey connect traditional skills with formal education. “Our goal na to train five million youths with high-demand skills in the next four years,” he add.
Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, di Minister of State for Education, emphasize how important am for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to grow, as some Nigerian industries dey rely on foreign talent. “We don see some companies dey source up to 60% of their workforce from abroad. Dis trend must change,” she talk.
Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan praised di ministers’ efforts and talk say di ministry dey ready to make real change in di education sector. Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of di Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, also promise legislative support for di reforms. He describe education as di “cornerstone of national development.”
With di NESRI blueprint don start, Nigeria dey poised to bridge di skills gap and align di education sector with global standards, making a big move towards a more skilled workforce.
