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A few days ago, the Nigerian government announced a pivotal reform: the conversion of all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) into Federal Technical Colleges beginning September 2025. This move aims to reposition Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector as a viable and attractive pathway for youth employment and economic transformation.

Currently, Nigeria has only 129 technical colleges serving millions of secondary school-aged children, compared to over 15,000 conventional secondary schools. Ironically, the majority of admissions into polytechnics — institutions created to advance technical learning — are still drawn from general secondary schools, not technical ones. This points to a foundational issue in the TVET pipeline.

This article explores:

• Why technical education enrolment has remained low
• Whether social perceptions hinder its uptake
• The role of private and community participation
• How Nigeria’s new reforms compare to the Swiss, German, and Chinese TVET models
• Practical recommendations for transforming the sector

Imagine a farming community co-developing a skills centre focused on agro-processing and solar irrigation, with the local government and private sector providing tools and instructors, while the Ministry of Education certifies the curriculum. That’s how we build youth employment from the ground up.

Why is There Apathy Toward Technical Education in Nigeria?

Several interwoven factors explain the low enrolment in technical institutions:

1. Poor Awareness and Career Guidance

Most young Nigerians and their families are unaware of TVET options, or view them as "last resorts". It is bad enough that guidance counsellors are missing in most schools, and in the few schools where they are engaged, they rarely promote technical careers. Media narratives do not help matters too as they heavily favour university education.

2. Proximity and Accessibility Gaps

With only 129 technical colleges across 774 LGAs, many communities have no local TVET institution. High transport costs, lack of boarding options, and poor infrastructure reduce access for rural youth.

3. Perception of Inferiority

Technical colleges are often seen as routes for students who are academically weak or economically disadvantaged — creating a stigma that discourages many from applying. This perception reflects deep-rooted social class biases.

4. Weak Industry Linkages

Most Nigerian TVET institutions operate without strong ties to industry, making graduates less employable. As a result, students and families often opt for general education pathways perceived to offer broader job prospects.

 

The Case for Community and Local Government Involvement

A critical yet underutilized lever in Nigeria’s technical education reform is local ownership. Communities and local governments should be incentivized to establish and manage technical and vocational training centres, with support and standardization from federal and state education authorities.

Why Local Ownership Matters

• Proximity: Community-based centres reduce travel barriers for students.
• Relevance: Training can be tailored to local economies (e.g., solar tech in off-grid areas).
• Pride and Participation: Local support increases enrollment and sustainability.
• Accountability: Locally run centres can be more agile and responsive than centralized ones.

What the Government Should Provide

• National curriculum frameworks and certification (e.g., NSQF)
• Equipment and instructor training support
• Accreditation and quality assurance
• Linkages to formal polytechnics or entrepreneurship programs

Suggested Incentives

• Matching grants for LGAs or communities investing in TVET
• Tax incentives for companies supporting training or internships
• Awards for LGAs with high youth employment outcomes

Imagine a farming community co-developing a skills centre focused on agro-processing and solar irrigation, with the local government and private sector providing tools and instructors, while the Ministry of Education certifies the curriculum. That’s how we build youth employment from the ground up.

 

Comparative Perspectives: What Can Nigeria Learn?

The Swiss Model

Switzerland operates a dual-track system, where about two-thirds of students opt for apprenticeships after lower secondary school. These students spend 3–4 days a week with employers and 1–2 days in school. Key features:

• Strong industry involvement in curriculum design
• Flexible pathways back into higher education
• High societal prestige attached to vocational careers

The German System

Germany’s dual education model is similar, integrating on-the-job training and vocational schooling. Over 50% of German students take this path. It’s highly standardized and nationally regulated, ensuring consistent quality.

The Chinese Shift

In 2017, China converted over 600 universities into polytechnics and skills-focused institutions to tackle graduate unemployment and strengthen industrial capacity. The move:

• Redirected students toward industry-relevant careers
• Rebalanced prestige between academic and vocational routes
• Boosted practical innovation and job-readiness

 

Is Nigeria's New TVET Reform Enough?

While the FSTC conversion policy is a positive signal, it must be accompanied by structural reforms, local partnerships, and perception change to be truly effective.

What’s Missing:

• Massive awareness campaigns targeting parents and youth
• Career pathways showing how TVET leads to success
• Integration with private sector and informal artisanship
• Decentralized expansion through LGAs and communities

 

Recommendations

1. Launch National Awareness Programs
   Promote TVET through media, influencers, and school campaigns.
2. Empower LGAs and Communities
   Provide frameworks, funding support, and curriculum guidance to help them build training centres.
3. Private Sector Integration
   Offer tax incentives to companies that co-fund or provide apprenticeship slots.
4. Rebuild Perception and Prestige
   Celebrate skilled artisans, showcase career growth from vocational routes.
5. Create Flexible Learning Pathways
   Allow movement between technical colleges, polytechnics, and universities.

 

TVET as the Engine of Inclusive Growth

Nigeria’s path to economic inclusion and industrial strength lies in unlocking the full potential of technical and vocational education. But this won’t happen through top-down reforms alone. Now we stand at a critical juncture. The 2025 policy shift could spark a transformation — but only if it's backed by vision, investment, and collaboration across government, industry, and communities. Technical education, when valued and properly structured, can be a ladder out of poverty and into prosperity.

TVET must be localized, dignified, and aligned with the real economy. Learning from global models like Switzerland, Germany, and China — and empowering communities to take charge — could be the game-changer Nigeria’s education system needs.

Every artisan is a builder of the economy. When we equip our youth with skills, we don’t just give them jobs — we give them dignity.

The world’s best models prove it. Now it’s our turn.