Technical education offers Nigeria its fastest route to job creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board has said.
Technical education can equip young people with practical skills that employers need. It also gives graduates the confidence to build businesses and create jobs.
NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muhammed Aminu Muhammed, made the remarks during an inspection of the 2026 May/June examinations at the Federal Technical College, Awka, Anambra State.
The inspection formed part of the board’s nationwide monitoring exercise. Officials visited examination centres across Nigeria to assess compliance and quality.
Muhammed said Nigeria must invest more in technical education. He noted that practical skills will shape the country’s economic future.
Technical education creates jobs and businesses
Muhammed described technical education as the country’s strongest pathway to employment and entrepreneurship.
He said vocational training gives young people the skills to earn a living without depending on government jobs.
“Technical education remains Nigeria’s strongest pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and national economic growth,” he said.
“The future of Nigeria depends on equipping young people with practical skills that will enable them to create jobs rather than wait endlessly for white-collar jobs.”
He urged policymakers to expand technical colleges across the country.
He also encouraged greater investment in vocational training programmes.
According to him, skilled workers will drive industrial growth and improve national productivity.
NABTEB records over 167,000 candidates
Muhammed disclosed that more than 167,000 candidates registered for the 2026 May/June examinations.
He said 226 candidates sat for the examinations at the Federal Technical College, Awka.
During the visit, he inspected the Physics practical examination.
He observed candidates throughout the exercise.
He also interacted with supervisors and examination officials.
The Registrar reviewed facilities and assessed compliance with NABTEB guidelines.
He praised the orderly conduct of the examination.
He said the Awka centre ranked among the best he had visited.
Technical education builds practical competence
Muhammed commended the college management for organising the practical sessions effectively.
Officials grouped candidates carefully throughout the examination.
The arrangement reduced delays and improved supervision.
He stressed that practical examinations remain central to NABTEB’s mission.
They measure students’ ability to apply classroom knowledge.
They also prepare graduates for technical careers.
Muhammed said industries now seek workers with practical experience.
He explained that technical education gives graduates a competitive advantage.
Many graduates also establish successful businesses after completing vocational training.
Examination quality improves nationwide
Muhammed said this year’s examinations showed significant improvement.
He compared the exercise with the 2025 edition.
He credited stronger supervision for the progress.
He also praised principals for enforcing examination standards.
NABTEB officials improved coordination across centres.
Security agencies strengthened protection during the examinations.
“In every area, this year’s examination is better than last year’s,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the improvements would strengthen public trust in NABTEB certificates.
Greater investment remains essential
Muhammed urged governments to increase funding for technical education.
He also encouraged private organisations to support vocational institutions.
He called for modern workshops and updated equipment.
He recommended regular training for teachers.
He said these investments would strengthen skills development nationwide.
Muhammed encouraged parents to support children pursuing technical careers.
He noted rising demand for skilled workers across many industries.
He listed engineering, manufacturing, construction, agriculture and information technology among key sectors.
He said Nigeria can reduce unemployment through practical education.
He added that stronger technical institutions will boost productivity and economic growth.
Muhammed reaffirmed NABTEB’s commitment to quality examinations.
He said the board will continue promoting technical education as a foundation for national development.
