The Federal Government has unveiled reforms in the nation’s technical education curriculum with the introduction of 26 new trade areas, to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
She said the new curriculum was designed to align skills acquisition with industry demands, while also reducing overload for students in federal technical colleges.
Boriowo explained that all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) would henceforth transition into full-fledged Federal Technical Colleges, with students required to take one trade course in addition to general subjects.
According to her, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stressed that the reform was aimed at producing a workforce that is technically skilled and industry-ready.
The 26 newly approved trade areas are: Bricklaying, Blocklaying and Concreting; Woodwork, Carpentry and Joinery; Plumbing and Pipe Fitting; Computer Hardware and GSM Repair; Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Works; Mechanised Agriculture; Autobody Works; Catering Craft Practice; Solar PV Installation and Maintenance; Fashion Design and Garment Making; Livestock Farming; Fish Farming (Aquaculture); Motorcycle and Tricycle Repairs; Interior Decoration; Welding and Fabrication; Auto-Electrical Wiring; Automobile Mechanics; Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology; Creative Media Production; Electronic Systems Maintenance; Furniture Making and Upholstery; Networking and System Security; Social Media Content Creation and Management; Tiling and Cladding; Automobile CNG Conversion and Maintenance; and Leather Works.
In addition, a new subject titled Citizenship and Heritage Studies will be introduced. The subject will merge Nigerian history, civic education, and social studies to, in the words of the ministry, “ground students in national values and prepare them for active citizenship.”
