The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting skills acquisition among young Nigerians as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on paper qualifications, encourage entrepreneurship, and address rising unemployment.
The Registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, disclosed this on Monday while monitoring the ongoing 2026 NABTEB National Business Certificate (NBC) and National Technical Certificate (NTC) examinations at the Government Technical College, Kano.
Mohammed said the government’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education is aimed at equipping Nigerians with practical skills that can transform them from job seekers into job creators and innovators capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
According to him, the global economy is increasingly driven by skills and innovation, making vocational and technical education essential for economic survival and growth.
“The era we are moving into is one driven by skills. People should not have to depend solely on government or private organisations for employment. There must be something they can do independently to earn a living,” he said.
He stressed that success and financial independence are no longer determined solely by academic titles or professional certificates, noting that practical skills provide alternative pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
“You do not need to be a professor, doctor, or even a journalist before you can earn a decent living. There are numerous legitimate opportunities available to individuals who possess valuable skills. That is the direction the world is heading today,” he added.
The NABTEB registrar noted that individuals with technical and vocational skills are better positioned to become self-reliant, establish businesses, create employment opportunities for others, and contribute to economic growth.
He further stated that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind other nations in the development of technical and vocational competencies, adding that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is deliberately investing in programmes designed to strengthen skills development nationwide.
Mohammed, who is currently undertaking a nationwide monitoring exercise of examination centres, expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of candidates participating in the NABTEB examinations.
He described the development as evidence of a growing awareness among students about the value of technical education and its role in driving economic development.
“There is a remarkable improvement compared to previous years. More students are embracing technical subjects because they understand that there is no shortcut to economic development. It is about acquiring skills that can provide sustainable sources of income,” he said.
The registrar revealed that candidate enrolment for the examinations increased from 92,260 nationwide in 2025 to over 100,000 in 2026, reflecting a significant rise in interest in technical and vocational education.
He also observed a growing shift in parental attitudes toward technical schools, noting that more parents now encourage their children to pursue technical education due to the opportunities and support provided by the government.
“Parents are increasingly interested in technical education for their children. Government interventions have reduced some of the financial burdens on families, and many parents are taking advantage of these opportunities,” he said.
The 2026 NABTEB May/June NBC and NTC examinations commenced nationwide on June 15 and are scheduled to conclude on July 13, 2026.
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