The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting skills acquisition among young Nigerians as part of ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on academic certificates and encourage self-sufficiency.
The Registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, made this known on Monday while addressing journalists after inspecting the 2026 NABTEB NBC/NTC examinations at Government Technical College, Kano.
According to him, the government’s focus on technical and vocational education is aimed at empowering young people with practical abilities that can help them become entrepreneurs, innovators, and employers of labour rather than relying solely on white-collar jobs.
Mohammed explained that the modern economy increasingly rewards skills and creativity, stressing that individuals should be equipped to generate income independently instead of waiting for employment opportunities.
He noted that success is no longer limited to traditional professions, adding that practical expertise can provide sustainable livelihoods across various sectors. He emphasized that skill acquisition not only promotes self-reliance but also creates opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
The NABTEB registrar further stated that Nigeria must intensify efforts to develop technical and vocational competencies if it hopes to remain competitive globally. He added that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is deliberately investing in programmes designed to strengthen skills development nationwide.
Speaking on the ongoing examinations, Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the growing number of candidates participating this year, describing it as a positive sign of increasing interest in technical education.
He observed that more students are embracing technical and vocational subjects, recognising that practical skills play a crucial role in national development and personal economic advancement.
According to him, candidate registration for the examinations rose significantly from 92,260 nationwide in 2025 to over 100,000 in 2026.
Mohammed also highlighted a noticeable increase in parental support for technical education, noting that many parents now prefer enrolling their children in technical schools because of the opportunities and support provided by government initiatives in the sector.
The 2026 NABTEB May/June NBC/NTC examinations began across the country on June 15 and are scheduled to conclude on July 13, 2026.
