In a compelling address at the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) deliberations held in Benin City, Edo State, Education Minister Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa expressed deep concern over stagnating student numbers in Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Olodo M.A., Director of Technology and Science Education, the minister delivered what he described as “a wake‑up call” to stakeholders, warning that persistent cultural biases and parental scepticism remain formidable barriers to TVET uptake, despite recent policy shifts designed to reverse declining enrollment rates.
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Low Enrollment: A Symptom of Societal Attitudes
Dr. Alausa drew attention to the cultural preference for academic pursuits over vocational training, noting that TVET schools are often perceived as institutions of last resort, selected by students who didn’t make the cut for traditional secondary schools. He emphasised that these outdated perceptions continue to derail efforts to diversify the nation’s education landscape.
To combat this, the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE) has launched a National Policy on Skills Development, part of a comprehensive campaign to reshape public understanding of vocational education’s relevance in the 21st-century job market.
Free Tuition Boost: A Game‑Changer?
In a pivotal announcement meant to disrupt entrenched stereotypes, Dr. Alausa stated that tuition at Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) is now free. While it is still too early to measure its impact, ministry officials see it as a critical step toward widespread acceptance.
During the session, Dr. Alausa urged guests and education officials to champion the policy and actively promote technical education. He also highlighted the recent decision by the National Council on Education (Extraordinary meeting, 2025) to upgrade Federal Skills Training Colleges (FSTCs) to FTCs—transferring oversight to his ministry’s Department of Technology and Science Education, reinforcing government commitment.
NABTEB: On the Frontline of Change
Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), echoed the minister’s concern. He outlined systemic weaknesses that plague TVET schools, including:
- Inadequate modern equipment is essential for practical training.
- Shortages of qualified, experienced instructors.
- Prevailing social influences are steering students away from TVET.
Dr. Mohammed emphasised that the NCEE, which saw 29,260 applicants this year, would serve as a gateway to selecting well-rounded candidates for FTCs. All applicants were advised to promptly access their results on the NABTEB portal and follow up to collect their admission letters.
Why TVET Matters: A Turning Point for Nigeria’s Economy
Analysts and policymakers agree that TVET holds the key to reducing unemployment, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving economic diversification—especially vital for Nigeria’s post‑oil future. When adequately resourced and socially valued, technical education can supply the skilled labour pool required to propel industries such as manufacturing, renewable energy, digital technology, and infrastructure.
By reframing technical colleges as launch pads for opportunity rather than fallback options, Nigeria can bridge the skills gap and create a dynamic workforce capable of competing globally.
Challenges Ahead and Policy Recommendations
Although free tuition may serve as a catalyst, experts suggest that it must be paired with sustained efforts:
- Mass Media Awareness Campaigns
TV, radio, and social media programs targeted at parents and guardians to showcase success stories from vocational graduates. - Industry‑TVET Partnerships
Collaborations with private sector leaders to co‑sponsor vocational workshops, internships, and equipment donations. - Teacher Training Incentives
Competitive salaries, ongoing professional development, and certification support for instructors to maintain instructional quality. - Curriculum Modernization
Incorporation of emerging fields like AI, renewable energy, and IoT into technical college curricula (aligning with initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent digital skills drive). - Longitudinal Success Tracking
Follow-up studies of FTC graduates to quantify job placement, entrepreneurial ventures, and the economic impact of TVET.
These steps would transform free schooling into a holistic ecosystem supporting vocational excellence.
A Moment of Reckoning—and Transformation
Dr. Alausa concluded by calling on selection panellists and school administrators to treat the current NCEE intake as a cornerstone in the nation’s TVET revitalisation. The upgraded FTCs now under the department’s jurisdiction symbolise a renewed governmental focus on technical training.
Yet, the ultimate test will lie in societal mindset shifts. Can Nigeria move beyond ingrained prejudices and embrace vocational education as a pathway to innovation and economic resilience?
Looking Ahead
- Early signs of uplift: Free tuition could spark renewed interest, if paired with visibility-boosting campaigns.
- Policy continuity: Political will must translate into long-term funding, teacher support, and infrastructure investment.
- Cultural change: Celebrating TVET achievements—on par with academic accolades—must become the norm.
If these efforts are sustained, the seeds planted at Benin City this week may bloom into a skilled, empowered generation—one ready to build the Nigeria of tomorrow.
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Final Takeaway
The Education Ministry’s free‑tuition policy for FTCs—and their structural upgrade—signals a strategic pivot for Nigeria’s TVET sector. Yet the realisation of its promise depends on winning hearts and minds. Only by elevating vocational education’s status can Nigeria cultivate a workforce ready to power its 21st‑century aspirations.
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