About 30,000 candidates across Nigeria participated in the 2025 entrance exam for admission into Federal Technical Colleges. The exam was conducted by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) under the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
NABTEB’s Registrar and CEO, Dr. Mohammed Mohammed, monitored the exam at the Federal Technical College in Orozo, Abuja. He said the programme is designed to equip young Nigerians with skills needed in industries, helping reduce reliance on imported labour and boosting local productivity.
Dr. Mohammed explained that the exam isn’t just for selecting students—it also helps match each candidate’s strengths with specific trades like electrical installation, tailoring, solar maintenance, and more. Data collected from each candidate will guide this process.
He stressed that no country grows economically without skilled workers like technicians and artisans, describing them as the backbone of any thriving economy. He said Nigeria must move past its dependence on paper qualifications and focus on what individuals can do with their hands.
Expressing concern over the outsourcing of basic construction jobs to foreigners, he noted that Nigerian youths have the potential to handle such tasks if properly trained and certified. According to him, the building industry is full of opportunities, and the TVET programme is a pathway to help young people take ownership of those roles.
Students admitted into the programme will undergo six months to one year of training, depending on their chosen trade. On completing their training, they will receive starter kits and may access business loans to launch their careers. Dr. Mohammed said this initiative is aimed at creating jobs and building a sustainable economy.
He added that plans have been made to handle the large number of expected new students. A selection committee made up of technical college principals, NABTEB officials, and Federal Ministry of Education representatives will oversee admissions. Results from the exam will be released within 21 days.
