The Federal Ministry of Education has commended the successful conduct of the maiden National Common Entrance Examination into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Class 1, describing it as a historic move toward the revitalization of technical education in Nigeria.
This commendation was delivered by the Director of Technology and Science Education, Dr. Muibat Adenike Olodo, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Vocational Education, Mr. Kehinde Osinake, during a monitoring exercise of the examination held last Saturday. The exam, which was conducted across federal and 32 state technical colleges, attracted a total of 29,256 candidates, with 22,995 applying specifically to federal technical institutions.
While overseeing the process at the Federal Science and Technical College, Orozo, Dr. Olodo applauded the seamless coordination and impressive turnout of candidates. She emphasized that the initiative aims to empower Nigerian youth with hands-on, industry-relevant skills that can combat rising unemployment and shift the nation’s economy from consumption to productivity.
Also present at the monitoring exercise was the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Aminu Mohammed, who praised the exam as a strategic intervention to reposition technical education in the country. He confirmed that around 30,000 Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) students participated nationwide. According to him, successful candidates will be assigned to vocational trades such as electrical installation, tailoring, and solar maintenance, based on their exam performance and aptitude.
Dr. Mohammed emphasized that the goal of the programme is not just to offer academic credentials but to promote meaningful skills acquisition that can drive national economic growth. He revealed that successful students will receive starter packs and have access to loans from the Bank of Industry to establish small businesses or secure employment. He further stated that the results of the entrance examination would be released within three weeks.
In a forward-looking move, Dr. Mohammed also disclosed that plans are underway—under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa—to transition future editions of the entrance exam to a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format, aligning with global best practices.
The Ministry described this development as a major milestone in the country’s education sector and urged parents, educators, industry leaders, and development partners to support the shared vision of nurturing a skilled, self-reliant generation equipped to meet the demands of a modern economy.
