FG commits N1bn to modernise TVET curricula — Alausa

The Federal Government has allocated N1 billion through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to modernize technical and vocational education and training curricula, according to Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education. The initiative aims to produce 27 new National Occupational Standards and update four existing ones, raising the total number of reviewed standards to 31.

The minister emphasized that Technical and Vocational Education is centered on equipping students with market-relevant skills to foster employment, entrepreneurship, and economic productivity. The reforms seek to align technical education programmes with industry needs, technological advancements, and emerging economic opportunities.

The curriculum modernization effort aligns with broader government efforts to restructure the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and enhance its capacity to oversee polytechnics and technical institutions effectively. KPMG Advisory Services conducted a comprehensive assessment of NBTE to identify gaps and opportunities for a future-fit organizational structure, governance model, and operating framework.

The assessment revealed that more than 55% of existing TVET curricula in Nigeria were outdated, according to Oluwole Adelokun, a partner at KPMG Africa and KPMG Nigeria. The N1 billion intervention aims to align technical education with industry demands, technological advancements, and economic opportunities, ultimately contributing to a skilled and globally competitive workforce in line with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.