The Federal Ministry of Education has released the full list of 26 trade areas approved under its revised technical-education curriculum, a move it says will align school training with modern industry demand.
According to a statement signed and issued on Wednesday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Bon Folasade, the reform will see all Federal Science and Technical Colleges converted to Federal Technical Colleges from the 2025/2026 academic year.
Announcing the overhaul, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said each college will now be required to offer at least six and not more than ten trade courses.
In addition, the curriculum introduces a new subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, to be taught alongside core science and language subjects.
“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,” the statement said.
Full list of 26 approved trade areas
Brick laying, block laying and concreting
Woodwork, carpentry and joinery
Plumbing and pipe fitting
Computer hardware & GSM repair and maintenance
Refrigeration & air-conditioning works
Mechanised agriculture (mechanisation/smart agriculture)
Autobody works
Catering craft practice
Solar PV installation and maintenance
Fashion design and garment making
Livestock farming/animal husbandry
Fish farming (aquaculture)
Motorcycle & tricycle repairs
Painting, decoration and finishes (interior design)
Welding & fabrication
Auto-electrical wiring
Automobile mechanics
Beauty therapy & cosmetology
Creative media (digital media production/operations)
Electronic systems maintenance craft
Furniture making & upholstery
Networking & system security (including satellite TV antenna installation and maintenance)
Social media content creation and management
Tiling & cladding (tiling and decorative stonework/floor-cover installation)
Automobile CNG conversion and maintenance
Leather works
Naija News reports that under the revised plan, students will take nine to ten subjects made up of:
One core trade
Five to six general subjects
Two to three trade-related subjects
One elective
The ministry noted that the streamlining and modernisation of the trades responds directly to skills gaps in construction, energy, agriculture, automotive, creative media, and digital services.
By embedding practical competencies into the curriculum, the government said it aims to ensure young Nigerians graduate with market-ready skills to meet the needs of local and global employers.