The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced a comprehensive review and validation of 26 trade syllabi for technical colleges, with a strong focus on agriculture-driven innovations.
The exercise, which began on Monday at the National Commission for Colleges of Education in Abuja, seeks to align technical education with modern market realities and Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NABTEB’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohammed Mohammed, described the initiative as a milestone in strengthening education’s role in driving food security and sustainability.
He noted that the inclusion of Smart Agriculture and Fisheries and Aquaculture in the revised syllabi reflects NABTEB’s commitment to building a workforce equipped with 21st-century skills to tackle critical challenges in agriculture and food production.
“These programmes position Nigeria to adopt environmentally conscious practices while addressing pressing concerns in energy and food security,” Mohammed said.
The registrar explained that the new curricula cut across emerging technologies and traditional vocations, with agriculture-related disciplines placed alongside Robotics, Machine Learning, Automotive Mechatronics, Hospitality, and Solar PV Installations.
He commended the collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education and industry stakeholders, stressing that their contributions ensured the curricula meet both market demands and national priorities.
Mohammed assured that NABTEB will work closely with technical colleges to provide infrastructure, training, and qualified instructors required for effective implementation.
He also called on industry partners to support the process through internships, mentorship, and workplace learning opportunities.
He further expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Education, the NBTE, and all industry experts involved in the process, describing their contributions as vital to achieving a relevant and high-quality syllabus.
As the validation exercise commenced, he urged participants to approach the task with dedication and a shared commitment to building an education system that strengthens Nigeria’s agricultural base and secures its future.
