What is in a name? Apparently, not much! When it comes to fixing Nigeria’s struggling technical education system, the recent decision by the Minister of Education to rename Federal Science and Technical Colleges as Federal Technical Colleges raises some concerns. But will this cosmetic change address the deep-rooted issues facing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), or is it just another bureaucratic distraction? While this initiative may aim to emphasize the significance of TVET, it risks being merely symbolic without accompanying substantive reforms. Such a change could become another bureaucratic exercise that fails to address the deep-seated issues afflicting Nigeria’s technical education sector.
Nigeria’s technical colleges are underfunded, outdated, and poorly aligned with industry demands. A report by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) indicates that over 80% of technical colleges lack modern training equipment. According to a 2023 survey, only 25% of graduates from these institutions secure jobs related to their field, demonstrating a severe gap between training and employability.
In contrast, Benin Republic and Togo have made significant strides in vocational training. The Benin government allocates about 4% of its annual education budget to TVET, compared to Nigeria’s estimated 0.5%. In Togo, technical institutions work closely with private-sector employers, ensuring that students receive practical training that translates directly to employment. This approach has resulted in an influx of Togolese and Beninese artisans into Nigeria, filling roles in carpentry, masonry, and auto mechanics that local graduates struggle to meet.
The Nigerian economy is the largest in Africa, with a GDP of over $477 billion. Yet, skilled labor in critical sectors such as construction and manufacturing is dominated by foreign workers. According to a 2022 report from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, nearly 60% of artisans employed in major cities come from Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana. These foreign workers are preferred due to their superior technical skills, reliability, and professional certifications—qualities that many Nigerian graduates lack due to outdated curricula and inadequate practical exposure.
The dependence on foreign artisans is not just an employment issue; it represents lost economic opportunities. If properly trained, Nigerian skilled workers could meet domestic demand and even be exported under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Countries like Canada and Germany have leveraged globally recognized certification programs to export skilled labor, generating billions in foreign exchange. Nigeria must do the same.
The United States has a robust network of trade schools that equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), over 50% of U.S. trade school graduates secure employment within six months of completing their programs. These institutions partner with industries to ensure their curricula align with evolving labor market needs, which is a model Nigeria should consider emulating.
Germany’s vocational system is another success story, with its dual-training model integrating classroom instruction with real-world apprenticeships. This system has contributed to Germany’s low youth unemployment rate of 5.7%, compared to Nigeria’s staggering 33%.
Increasing funding to at least 5% of the education budget will modernize facilities, upgrade equipment, and improve instructor training. Strengthening industry collaboration through apprenticeships will ensure students gain hands-on experience, making them more employable. Introducing globally recognized certifications, like Canada’s Red Seal, will enhance workforce credibility and competitiveness. Leveraging AfCFTA can position Nigeria as a hub for skilled labor exports, creating job opportunities across Africa. Additionally, integrating business incubation centers within TVET institutions will empower graduates to become entrepreneurs rather than job seekers.
Nigeria cannot afford to let TVET reform remain a mere rebranding exercise. The country must take decisive action to bridge the skills gap, reduce dependency on foreign artisans, and position its workforce for both domestic and international opportunities. Nigeria’s Technical education must move beyond symbolic gestures like renaming technical institutions and embrace bold reforms that will reposition TVET as a driver of economic growth. With the right investments and policy shifts, Nigeria can transform its technical education system into a globally competitive sector that empowers youths, students, drives economic growth, and secures the country’s place in the global labor market.
