Why the Federal Government is turning science schools into technical colleges—Bugaje

The federal government has announced that it is transforming Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTC) into fully established Federal Technical Colleges (FTC) as part of a complete reform of the nation’s technical education system.

Professor Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), made this announcement during a conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Bugaje explained that the reform is part of a larger plan to enhance Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, aiming to make it a promising and appealing route for youth employment and national development.

He stated that this change would start in September, which marks the beginning of a new admission period where science-related enrollments would no longer be accepted.

He also mentioned that students already enrolled will be allowed to finish their programmes, but from now on, all incoming students will be admitted only for technical education.

“‘That is a very smart, timely intervention. Before, there used to be federal technical colleges, somebody came in and smuggled science into them.

“‘So, when students register, they prefer to enroll into the sciences, and the technical aspects are ignored.

“‘This measure is taking effect immediately, this coming September when all admissions will be for technical education,’” he stated.

Bugaje noted that the President had approved funding for new infrastructure, more equipment, and better facilities to make technical education more appealing.

He pointed out that most polytechnics currently accept students from standard secondary schools because there are not enough technical colleges in the country.

He said that across the country, there are only 129 technical colleges, while conventional secondary schools exceed 15,000 in number.

“‘That is going to change. We expect state governments to follow suit by converting some conventional secondary schools into technical colleges.

“‘Technical colleges are the proper feeder institutions for polytechnics,’” he said.

In addition to secondary-level reforms, Bugaje stated that the government is also reassessing the structure of higher education institutions.

He referenced China’s 2017 policy that converted more than 600 universities into polytechnics and vocational institutions, proposing Nigeria adopt a similar model to correct imbalances in its education system.

“‘There’s a troubling trend of polytechnics being converted into universities, which is repressive to the growth of technical education.

“‘However, if they must be converted, let them remain within the TVET family—as TVET universities.

“‘The Minister has agreed to this, and with this policy shift, Nigeria is aiming for a renaissance in technical education that aligned with global best practices,’” he stated.

Bugaje concluded that this change in direction would equip young Nigerians for jobs, business opportunities, and innovation in a rapidly changing economy.