Abuja: The Chief Executive Officer of CSO Media Integrated Ltd., Mr. Dominic Ogakwu, says reforms by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) are strengthening confidence in technical and vocational education across Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogakwu made these comments in a report released on Sunday following the firm’s independent monitoring of the 2026 NABTEB Common Entrance Examination and the In-School Final Year Certificate Examinations. The assessment covered the Federal Government Technical School, Orozo, Abuja, and selected technical schools in Kebbi State.
He stated that the monitoring found that examination processes were orderly, transparent, and professionally conducted across the centers visited. “Across the centers we visited, examination processes were orderly, transparent and professionally coordinated. Students demonstrated remarkable confidence, while administrators and invigilators carried out their responsibilities with discipline and integrity,” Ogakwu noted.
Ogakwu added that the findings reflected renewed confidence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a viable pathway to skills development and employment. He emphasized that NABTEB, established in 1993, remains central to the development of Nigeria’s skilled workforce through the conduct of technical and vocational examinations. The board also contributes to curriculum development, quality assurance, research, and assessment to ensure graduates acquire industry-relevant skills.
Ogakwu commended the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu, for initiatives aimed at strengthening the board’s operations. “His administration has focused not merely on conducting examinations but on restoring confidence in technical education itself,” he said.
He highlighted that the reforms have led to increased enrollment, expansion of accredited examination centers, improved examination monitoring, and curriculum modernization. According to him, the board continues to advocate for greater investment in technical and vocational education to equip young Nigerians with practical skills for national development. The report emphasizes the need for Nigeria to produce skilled technicians, craftsmen, engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs rather than merely seeking them.
Ogakwu mentioned that the monitoring team observed students undergoing training in electrical installation, welding, automotive technology, ICT, and other vocational trades. Many of the students view technical education as a pathway to entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and meaningful employment.
However, he also identified challenges affecting the sector, such as inadequate funding, obsolete equipment, shortages of qualified instructors, and negative perceptions of vocational education. Ogakwu urged governments and stakeholders to sustain investments in technical education to produce the skilled workforce required for industrialization and economic growth. “If Nigeria is serious about building a resilient economy, creating sustainable jobs and preparing its youth for the industries of tomorrow, then institutions like NABTEB must continue to receive the support, recognition, and investment they deserve,” he concluded.