FIC Report (Edo State) – The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, has expressed concern over the persistent low enrollment figures across various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in the country. Addressing participants at a three-day working session focused on the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) results and the selection process for Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) in Benin City, Edo State, Alausa attributed the challenge to enduring societal indifference and parental apathy towards technical education.
Represented by the Director of Technology and Science Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Olodo M.A., the Minister revealed that the Ministry has recently launched a National Policy on Skills Development. This initiative aims to promote awareness and stakeholder engagement across states to boost enrollment and improve the quality of vocational training.
“The low enrollment in our colleges stems largely from societal attitudes and parental perceptions of TVET. However, with the government’s recent introduction of free tuition for FTC students, we are gradually gaining acceptance and recognition for technical education,” Alausa stated. He emphasized the importance of ongoing advocacy and sensitization efforts to change perceptions and encourage more youths to pursue vocational pathways.
The Minister also reminded officials involved in the selection process of the upcoming academic year to consider the recent approval for the transition of Federal Skills Training Colleges (FSTCs) to FTCs during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education meeting. He further noted that the management and supervision of FTCs would now fall under the Department of Technology and Science Education, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening technical institutions.
In his remarks, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), highlighted some of the key challenges impacting enrollment. These include inadequate equipment for certain trades, shortages of qualified and experienced teachers, and social influences that discourage students from enrolling in technical programs.
“Today, we are making critical decisions that will determine the future of many Nigerian youths seeking admission into Federal Technical Colleges,” Mohammed emphasized. He called for fairness and dedication from all stakeholders involved in the selection process.
Mohammed also announced that a total of 29,260 applicants participated in the NCEE this year. He urged successful candidates to access their results promptly via the NABTEB portal and to proceed swiftly to collect their admission letters from their respective schools.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize skills development, stakeholders hope that increased awareness and government support will eventually lead to higher enrollment and enhanced capacity in the nation’s technical education sector.
Signed
Egwaole Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO
FIC, Benin.
11th July 2025
