The Federal Government of Nigeria, through NABTEB, has launched a nationwide TVET entrance exam for 30,000 candidates seeking admission into technical colleges. Discover how this programme aims to equip Nigerian youth with practical skills, reduce foreign artisan dependency, and strengthen the local workforce.
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Introduction
In a decisive move to bridge the national skills gap and empower Nigerian youth with industry-relevant technical training, the Federal Government has launched the 2025 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) entrance examination for over 30,000 applicants. The initiative, managed by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), seeks to admit qualified students into Federal Technical Colleges across the country.
Why the TVET Entrance Exam Matters
Nigeria faces a pressing shortage of certified local artisans and technicians, which has long forced industries to hire foreign skilled workers for jobs that could be done by Nigerians. This large-scale TVET exam is part of the government’s wider plan to reverse this trend by developing a sustainable, homegrown technical workforce.
Key objectives include:
- Merit-Based Selection: The exam helps select students based on practical aptitude and subject knowledge, ensuring they are placed in trades where they can excel.
- Boosting Employability: With targeted training, graduates gain marketable skills that open doors to self-employment or placement in critical sectors.
- Driving Economic Self-Reliance: By training more local artisans, Nigeria can reduce capital flight and reinvest in the national economy.
How the Entrance Exam Works
The entrance exam was conducted nationwide across all Federal Technical Colleges and designated centres. It includes both written assessments and practical components to test each candidate’s suitability for specific trades.
After the exam, successful candidates will be placed in programmes covering trades such as:
- Electrical installation and maintenance
- ICT and digital skills
- Carpentry and joinery
- Plumbing and pipefitting
- Welding and fabrication
- Fashion design and tailoring
Training durations typically range from six months to one year, depending on the chosen trade.
Timeline and Next Steps
Below is an overview of the TVET admission timeline for 2025:
| Stage | Activity |
|---|---|
| June 14, 2025 | Entrance exam held nationwide |
| Within 21 days | Release of exam results |
| Post-results | Students assigned to trades based on performance |
| 6–12 months | Practical training and assessments |
| Post-training | Starter packs, loans, and business support for graduates |
Support for Successful Candidates
In addition to training, successful candidates are expected to receive starter packs and financial support to help them set up small businesses in their chosen fields. This approach aims to turn vocational education into an avenue for youth empowerment and poverty reduction.
How to Check Results
Candidates are advised to check their results on the official NABTEB website or through their respective examination centres. Further details on trade allocation, orientation schedules, and commencement dates will also be communicated directly to successful candidates.
National Impact and Outlook
The TVET initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic goals, including the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and the Industrial Revolution Plan. By developing a local talent pipeline, the country can improve productivity, support industrial growth, and create millions of jobs for its young population.
Final Thoughts
The launch of the TVET entrance exam for 30,000 applicants is a significant milestone for technical education in Nigeria. If implemented effectively, it could reshape the future of vocational skills training and drive sustainable economic development by equipping young Nigerians with the skills needed for today’s competitive job market.