The Federal Ministry of Education has approved 26 trade areas for technical schools nationwide as part of a significant overhaul of the technical education curriculum.
This move aims to align vocational education with industry needs and prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce.
Here are the 26 approved trades:
1. Brick Laying, Block Laying, and Concreting: Fundamentals of bricklaying, blocklaying, and concreting for building and construction projects.
2. Woodwork, Carpentry, and Joinery: Skills in woodwork, carpentry, and joinery for furniture making and construction.
3. Plumbing and Pipe Fitting: Installing and maintaining plumbing systems.
4. Computer Hardware & GSM Repair and Maintenance: Repairing and maintaining computer hardware and mobile devices.
5. Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Works: Installing and maintaining refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
6. Mechanised Agriculture: Mechanized farming techniques and smart agriculture practices.
7. Autobody Works: Repairing and maintaining vehicle bodies.
8. Catering Craft Practice: Food preparation and presentation.
9. Solar PV Installation and Maintenance: Installing and maintaining solar panel systems.
10. Fashion Design and Garment Making: Skills in fashion design, pattern making, and garment construction.
11. Livestock Farming/Animal Husbandry: Raising and caring for livestock.
12. Fish Farming (Aquaculture): Breeding and managing fish populations.
13. Motorcycle & Tricycle Repairs: Vehicle maintenance and repair.
14. Painting, Decoration, and Finishes: Various painting and decoration techniques.
15. Welding & Fabrication: Various welding techniques and fabrication methods.
16. Auto-Electrical Wiring: Installing and repairing electrical systems in vehicles.
17. Automobile Mechanics: Vehicle maintenance and repair.
18. Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology: Various beauty treatments and skincare techniques.
19. Creative Media: Digital media production and operations.
20. Electronic Systems Maintenance Craft: Installing and maintaining electronic systems.
21. Furniture Making & Upholstery: Skills in furniture design, construction, and upholstery.
22. Networking & System Security: Installing and maintaining computer networks and ensuring system security.
23. Social Media Content Creation and Management: Creating and managing social media content.
24. Tiling & Cladding: Installing tiles and decorative stonework.
25. Automobile CNG Conversion and Maintenance: Converting vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) and maintaining CNG systems.
26. Leather Works: Various leather crafting techniques.
The revised curriculum aims to reduce overload, build strong trade competencies, align with global standards, and prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of the future. Students will take between nine and ten subjects, including one core trade, five to six general subjects, two to three trade-related subjects, and one elective.
