The Federal Government has released the full list of 26 trade areas approved under its revised technical-education curriculum, set to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Bon Folasade, the ministry announced that all Federal Science and Technical Colleges will be converted into Federal Technical Colleges under the new framework.
The overhaul, jointly announced by Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and Minister of State, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, mandates each college to offer a minimum of six and a maximum of ten trade courses. Students will be required to take between nine and ten subjects, including one core trade, five to six general subjects, two to three trade-related subjects, and one elective.
According to the ministry, the reform is aimed at streamlining and modernising technical education to respond to the evolving demands of industries spanning construction, energy, agriculture, automotive, creative media, and digital services. It added that the changes are designed to reduce curriculum overload, strengthen trade competencies, align with global standards, and better prepare young Nigerians for future employment opportunities.
The revised curriculum will also introduce Citizenship and Heritage Studies alongside existing core science and language subjects.
The 26 approved trades include bricklaying and concreting, woodwork, plumbing, computer hardware and GSM repair, refrigeration and air-conditioning, mechanised agriculture, autobody works, catering, solar installation and maintenance, fashion design, livestock and fish farming, motorcycle and tricycle repairs, interior decoration, welding and fabrication, auto-electrical wiring, automobile mechanics, beauty therapy and cosmetology, creative and digital media, electronics maintenance, furniture making, networking and system security, social media content management, tiling and cladding, automobile CNG conversion, as well as leather works.
The government emphasised that the reform is part of a broader strategy to modernise Nigeria’s education sector in line with its Renewed Hope Agenda and ensure that students are equipped with practical skills for the 21st-century economy.
