Federal Government Launches TVET Entrance Exams for 30,000 Students NationwideBy Henry Tyohemba

The Federal Government, through NABTEB, has launched the 2025 TVET entrance exams for over 30,000 students nationwide to equip Nigerian youth with practical vocational skills, reduce reliance on foreign labor, and boost local employment and economic growth.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced the 2025 entrance examinations for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into Federal Technical Colleges across the country. Over 30,000 students are sitting for the exams, which are being coordinated by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).

This announcement was made by NABTEB’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, while overseeing the examination process at the Federal Technical College in Orozo, Abuja, on Saturday.

Describing the initiative as both “exciting and strategic,” Dr. Mohammed emphasized that TVET is not merely a student admission process but a national effort to retool Nigeria’s workforce. The aim, he said, is to align young Nigerians with relevant vocational skills such as electrical installation, tailoring, and solar maintenance, among others.

“This isn’t just about who qualifies for admission,” he stated. “We are using the exam to identify candidates’ strengths and match them to specific trades. Data collected during registration will guide placement decisions.”

Dr. Mohammed highlighted the programme’s broader economic significance, stressing the importance of skilled labour to national development. “No economy thrives without skilled artisans and technicians. Paper qualifications alone are no longer enough — practical ability now drives value,” he added.

He lamented that jobs like tiling and POP ceiling installation are often outsourced to foreigners, despite the availability of energetic Nigerian youth. He expressed optimism that initiatives like TVET will help reclaim such jobs for local workers.

“This is about empowering our youth to take control of trades that can provide a decent livelihood,” he said. “We want them to compete and thrive locally.”

According to the NABTEB boss, graduates of the TVET programme will undergo training lasting from six months to a year, depending on their area of specialization. Afterward, they will receive starter kits and may qualify for business loans.

“This goes beyond training — it’s a path to entrepreneurship, employment, and economic growth,” he said, adding that beneficiaries could either join the workforce or start their own enterprises.

To manage the influx of successful candidates, a joint selection committee comprising officials from NABTEB, the Federal Ministry of Education, and principals of technical colleges will handle admissions.

The examination results are expected within 21 days. Dr. Mohammed also disclosed that the current paper-based format would transition to a fully digital system by next year, reflecting the government’s push toward modernization.

In conclusion, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a self-sustaining, skill-driven economy. “Certification builds credibility. With verified skills, our youths can confidently take on roles in projects like the national gas pipeline and more.”

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LEADERSHIP