Nigeria, Uganda deepen TVET collaboration as NABTEB calls for stronger African partnerships

Mohammed emphasised that NABTEB and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) operate as complementary institutions within Nigeria’s TVET framework.

While NBTE oversees accreditation, regulation, and curriculum development for technical institutions, NABTEB is responsible for assessment and certification of students in technical colleges and skills centres.

Together, he said, they form “a critical part of the quality assurance architecture for Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Nigeria.”

Highlighting the importance of curriculum development, the registrar pointed out that NBTE has built decades of expertise in competency-based curricula aligned with labour market demands.

Mohammed described this as central to effective TVET delivery, adding that the technical presentations during the visit would provide valuable insights into Nigeria’s approach.

Placing the discussion in a broader continental context, Mohammed stressed the growing need for cooperation among African nations.

The registrar added, “Across Africa, governments and institutions are intensifying efforts to reform TVET in response to rising youth unemployment, rapid technological change, and the growing demand for certified skilled workers.

“The exchange of best practices across borders is therefore not merely desirable but necessary.”

He further noted that Nigeria and Uganda share similar developmental challenges and ambitions, making such engagements essential platforms for mutual learning and partnership. According to him, stronger collaboration would help “forge alliances that can uplift our respective systems.”

Reaffirming NABTEB’s commitment, Mohammed stated that the board remains open to technical cooperation with UVTAB, expressing confidence that strengthening Uganda’s system would contribute positively to Africa’s overall TVET landscape.

Also speaking, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by Emmanuel Osinaike, reiterated the country’s commitment to regional collaboration.

He assured the Ugandan delegation of Nigeria’s support for Uganda’s Vision 2040 agenda through the sharing of institutional frameworks and reform strategies.

Alausa highlighted key reforms in Nigeria’s technical education sector, including the 80/20 curriculum structure that prioritises practical training, and the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), which formalises skills acquired both in formal institutions and informal settings.

The minister also pointed to emerging trade areas such as mechatronics, solar photovoltaic installation, and digital media as part of efforts to equip young Africans with globally competitive skills.

“NBTE is guiding a historic change in our technical colleges, where 80 per cent of student time is spent on hands-on practicals,” he said, adding that the NSQF ensures “every skilled African—whether trained in a classroom or workshop—has a recognised pathway to success.”

Also speaking, Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, represented by Hassan Akande, stressed that strong TVET institutions are vital for economic transformation.

He noted that collaboration among African countries would boost innovation, productivity, and workforce readiness across the continent.

Bugaje further explained that curriculum development remains central to NBTE’s mandate, guided by labour market relevance, industry participation, stakeholder engagement, and periodic reviews.