Technical education offers Nigeria the quickest path to employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth, according to the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB). The examination body says practical skills remain the country’s greatest asset in tackling youth unemployment and boosting productivity.
NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muhammed Aminu Muhammed, made the statement during the inspection of the 2026 May/June NABTEB examinations at the Federal Technical College, Awka, Anambra State.
The visit formed part of a nationwide monitoring exercise. The board inspected examination centres across the country to ensure quality, transparency and compliance with established standards.
Muhammed said Nigeria must invest more in vocational and technical institutions. He explained that practical skills will create wealth and reduce dependence on scarce government jobs.
Technical education remains the strongest employment pathway
Muhammed described technical education as Nigeria’s most reliable route to sustainable employment.
He said young people need practical skills to compete in today’s labour market.
He stressed that technical graduates possess abilities that many employers seek.
According to him, vocational education also prepares graduates to establish successful businesses.
“Technical education remains Nigeria’s strongest pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and national economic growth,” he said.
“The future of Nigeria depends on equipping young people with practical skills that will enable them to create jobs rather than wait endlessly for white-collar jobs.”
He urged governments to prioritise technical schools across the federation.
He also encouraged stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industries.
Such partnerships, he noted, will improve training and expand employment opportunities.
NABTEB monitors examination nationwide
Muhammed disclosed that over 167,000 candidates registered for this year’s May/June examinations.
He added that 226 candidates sat for the examinations at the Federal Technical College, Awka.
During the inspection, he observed the Physics practical examination.
He also interacted with examination supervisors and officials.
The Registrar assessed facilities and monitored candidates throughout the exercise.
He expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the centre.
According to him, the Awka college ranked among the best centres visited during the monitoring exercise.
He praised school administrators for maintaining discipline and ensuring smooth coordination.
Technical education strengthens practical skills
Muhammed commended the management of the college for organising practical sessions efficiently.
Officials grouped candidates carefully throughout the exercise.
The arrangement reduced congestion and improved supervision.
He noted that practical examinations remain central to NABTEB’s objectives.
The examinations measure technical competence and practical understanding.
They also prepare students for real workplace challenges.
Muhammed explained that industries increasingly value technical competence over theoretical knowledge alone.
He said practical skills improve employability and encourage innovation.
Many graduates also become entrepreneurs after completing vocational programmes.
That, he added, helps reduce unemployment across the country.
Improved examination quality earns praise
The NABTEB Registrar said this year’s examination recorded remarkable progress.
He compared the exercise with the previous year’s edition.
He credited the improvement to stronger planning and supervision.
School principals also strengthened internal coordination.
NABTEB officials improved monitoring across examination centres.
Security agencies supported the process with effective protection.
“In every area, this year’s examination is better than last year’s,” Muhammed said.
He added that continuous improvement will enhance confidence in NABTEB qualifications.
He also reaffirmed the board’s commitment to credible examinations.
Technical education supports national development
Muhammed urged governments to increase investment in technical education.
He called for modern laboratories, workshops and training facilities.
He also recommended continuous professional development for instructors.
According to him, better equipment will improve learning outcomes.
He encouraged parents to support children interested in technical careers.
He noted that skilled professionals remain in high demand.
Engineering, manufacturing, agriculture and information technology continue to require qualified technicians.
He said Nigeria can reduce unemployment by expanding technical education nationwide.
He added that stronger vocational institutions will boost industrial growth and national productivity.
Muhammed reaffirmed NABTEB’s commitment to producing skilled graduates through quality examinations. He expressed confidence that sustained investment in technical education would create more jobs, strengthen entrepreneurship and support Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.
