FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) has strengthened its partnership with the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) as part of efforts to advance technical education and promote skills development across the state.
Speaking during a meeting with officials of NABTEB at the Education Hub in Benin City, the Chairman of BTVET, Barr. (Mrs.) Onomen Briggs, commended the examination body for its sustained role in maintaining standards in technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
She also praised the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for prioritizing youth empowerment and human capital development through the SHINE Agenda. According to her, the administration’s investments in education, vocational training, and economic empowerment are repositioning the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector for long-term growth.
Barr. Briggs noted that NABTEB has continued to support quality assurance, competency-based assessments, and skills certification within the TVET sector, describing the relationship between both institutions as crucial to the future of skills development in Edo State.
She disclosed that BTVET is currently working to strengthen technical colleges and vocational centres, expand industry-focused skills programmes, promote production-based training systems, and encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance among youths. She added that the Board is also aligning Edo’s TVET programmes with global best practices and labour market demands in line with the developmental agenda of the Okpebholo administration.
The BTVET Chairman further identified areas where collaboration with NABTEB would be beneficial, including the recognition of BTVET as the coordinating TVET authority in Edo State and support for the accreditation of technical schools yet to achieve full accreditation status.
Other proposed areas of partnership include the registration of artisans and training centres at the state level, joint accreditation and monitoring exercises, artisan certification and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as well as capacity building for instructors and assessors.
According to Barr. Briggs, the proposed registration framework would help establish a reliable database of artisans and training institutions, improve regulation and monitoring, eliminate unqualified operators, and support workforce planning and skills mapping in the state.
She expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between both institutions would improve access to credible certification, enhance youth employability, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen regulation within the skills sector, and support Edo State’s economic development.
In his remarks, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting technical and vocational education in Edo State.
He stated that NABTEB remains responsible for ensuring that training modules meet international standards and that all training programmes comply with approved regulations.
Dr. Mohammed explained that NABTEB conducts certificate examinations for technical schools in Edo State and also issues National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certificates as proof of competence in various skill areas.
He described Technical and Vocational Education and Training as critical to job creation, economic growth, reduction of insecurity, and national development, adding that NABTEB regularly monitors vocational centres and technical schools to ensure compliance with standards and effective programme implementation.
The NABTEB Registrar also assured BTVET of the Board’s readiness to provide capacity-building initiatives and training programmes, stressing the importance of vocational skills acquisition, especially for individuals who may not pursue conventional academic education.
Officials present at the meeting included NABTEB’s Director of Examinations Development Department, Mr. Osaigbovo Pius; Director, South-South Zone, Mrs. Oriri Edith; Special Technical Adviser to the Registrar, Prof. E. Raymond; Edo State Coordinator, Mrs. Bose Ikheloa; Engr. Balogun Joseph; Mr. Eguavoen James; Mr. Haruna Aminu; Mr. Ben Usiabulu; and Mr. Uchechukwu Olisa.
Representing BTVET were Board Member representing Edo South, Alhaja Miamunat Salimotu; functioning Board Secretary, Mrs. Stella Ogbeide; Director of Administrative Services, Mr. Abumere Andrew; Director of Planning and Research, Mrs. Blessing Odion; Director of Schools, Mr. Irabor Ben; Technical Adviser, Mrs. Eyitemi Eki; alongside other management staff of the Board.
Signed:
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin city
May 23rd, 2026
