- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Government has introduced social media content creation and creative media into the newly revamped curriculum for technical colleges across the country.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the statement introduction of the new trade courses amongst others were designed to reduce overload; build strong trade competencies; align with global standards; and prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of the future.
The Ministry also announced that the technical colleges will now operate fully as Federal Technical Colleges (FTE) as against the old Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTC) starting from the 2025/2026 academic year.
It was noted that each college will offer a minimum of six and a maximum of 10 trade courses out of the 26 streamlined trade courses.
Students will be required to take between nine and ten subjects.
These include one trade course, five or six general subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Citizenship and Heritage Studies, two or three trade-related subjects. and one elective.
Other trade courses introduced include Solar PV installation and Maintenance. Fashion Design and Garment Making, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Livestock Farming, Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, and Leather Works amongst others.
The reforms are reportedly aimed at focusing on students learning relevant trades to serve industry needs while strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing, services, and digital economy.
This, according to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The statement read; “In a bold reform to secure a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth, the Honourable Minister of Education. Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, have announced a major curriculum revamp for technical education in Nigeria.
“The reform is designed to reduce overload, build strong trade competencies, align with global standards, and prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of the future.
“Under the new structure, all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCS) Will now operate fully as Federal Technical Colleges starting from the 2025/2026 academic year.
“Each college will offer a minimum of six and a maximum of ten trade courses. while students will now take between nine and ten subjects.
“These include one trade course, five or six general subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Citizenship and Heritage Studies, two or three trade-related subjects. and one elective.
“A total of 26 trade areas have been streamlined and modernized to reflect industry needs. These include Solar PV installation and Maintenance. Fashion Design and Garment Making, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Livestock Farming, Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, Creative Media, Social Media Content Creation and Management, Leather Works, and other trades critical to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“The reforms also aim to focus on students learning relevant trades to Serve industry needs While strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing, services, and digital economy.
“The introduction of Citizenship and Heritage Studies, which combines Nigerian History, Civic Education. and Social Studies, will ensure that students are grounded in national values while pursuing technical skills.
“Dr. Alausa explained that the reform is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which targets driving Nigeria’s economy to one trillion dollars by 2030.
“He emphasized that the new curriculum will better position students to compete in the global economy, ensuring they are gainfully employed and contributing meaningfully to national development.
“The Ministry assures schools, parents, and students of full support for a smooth transition.
“A comprehensive list of the new subjects and trade areas has been attached for guidance.”
