Abuja, July 10, 2025
The Federal Government has officially launched the first-ever national common entrance examination into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Class 1, targeting admissions into 34 revamped federal and state technical colleges. The exercise marks a strategic shift toward developing industry-ready skills among youth.
Held on June 14, 2025, the landmark exam recorded participation from 29,256 candidates across both federal and state technical institutions. Of these, 22,995 applied specifically to federal colleges, highlighting strong interest in this new educational pathway.
Dr. Muibat Adenike Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education, lauded the exercise as seamless and well-coordinated during monitoring visits, noting its potential to address youth unemployment by equipping participants with practical, market-relevant skills .
The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) Registrar, Dr. Aminu Mohammed, confirmed that successful candidates will be placed into trades such as electrical installation, tailoring, and solar maintenance based on performance and aptitude, and will receive starter kits and access to Bank of Industry loans to help them launch careers or businesses.
The initiative reflects the broader Technical and Vocational Education and Training reforms by Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, which include upgrading 38 technical colleges, introducing a dual-training model (80% hands-on, 20% classroom-based), planning full digitization of national exams by 2027, and abolishing fees in 33 federal technical colleges while providing stipends and other incentives.
