After several years, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has begun reviewing the syllabuses of 14 trades offered by technical institutes.
Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo Abanihe, Registrar of the Board, stated at a workshop on the review of technical college syllabus in Abuja on Monday that the need to produce well-trained and motivated craftsmen and technicians to sustain national technological and economic growth has become critical.
She continued: “In Nigeria today, production of needed technical personnel, in terms of craftsmen and master craftsmen have been facing many challenges ranging from issues of inadequate teaching equipment and materials, teaching personnel to those of curriculum and syllabuses.”
According to her, the exercise is in line with the Federal Government’s current drive for innovation and skill empowerment, particularly in the education sector, which promotes inclusive education.
“This review is geared towards ensuring that training of artisans, craftsmen and master craftsmen meet current demands of industries,” she stated.
The registrar stated that the exercise would result in a rewarding experience and output.
“At the end of this gathering, we hope to produce good quality and teachable syllabuses that all students, teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders can rely on considering the assemblage of experienced experts in all the relevant fields present,” she said.
Speaking, the Minister of Education for State, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, said the Federal Government would commence the review of curriculum of all the levels of education to move in tune with present reality.
He said in the last 14 years, the curriculum and syllabus of institutions, secondary and basic education has not been reviewed and “I think 14 years is enough to call a child an adolescent.
“For us to remain in prolong period without review of curriculum and syllabus spells doom for the nation,” he said.
The minister said it is part of the mandate of Federal Ministry of Education to ensure all the curriculum and syllabus are reviewed.
He said in few days the National Education Research Development Council will also commence the review of the curriculum of all the basic education to move in tune with reality.
Meanwhile, the trade subjects include Motors Vehicle, Electrical Installation, Welding and Fabrication, Mechanical Engineering Craft, Electronic System and Maintenance and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
Others are Computer and GSM Repairs, Carpentry and Joinery, Bricklaying/Block Laying and Concreting, Plumbing and Pipe Fitting, Cosmetology, Catering Craft, Fashion Design and Renewable Energy.