Nigeria, Uganda strengthen partnership to advance technical education in Africa
Nigeria and Uganda have deepened collaboration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through a partnership involving the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB).
The partnership is aimed at improving curriculum development, assessment standards, and promoting best practices in technical education across Africa. Stakeholders say the initiative will help position technical education as a major driver of youth employment, industrial growth, and technological advancement on the continent.
Speaking during a joint visit by NABTEB and UVTAB officials to the NERDC headquarters in Sheda, Abuja, Executive Secretary of NERDC, Professor Salisu Shehu, expressed optimism over the collaboration.
He said, “NERDC remains Nigeria’s apex institution for curriculum development, research and innovation, with the statutory responsibility of developing and reviewing syllabi for Basic, Senior Secondary and Technical Education.”
Professor Shehu added that the partnership aligns with NABTEB’s 2025 initiative to review and validate 26 trade syllabi for technical colleges in emerging areas such as smart agriculture, coding and robotics, solar photovoltaic installation, and creative media.
He further stated that the collaboration would ensure the reviewed syllabi meet national education policy standards while remaining adaptable for adoption in other African countries.
Also speaking, Registrar of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, described the engagement as “a deliberate strategic meeting of minds” and the beginning of a “robust and enduring partnership.”
According to him, the objective is to ensure that revised trade syllabi align with current industry demands and competency-based standards.
A representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Kolawole Osundeyi, commended UVTAB for the partnership, describing it as strategic and timely in the face of rapid technological advancement.
