NABTEB Registrar Calls for Stronger African Collaboration on Skills Development

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, has urged educational and assessment institutions across Africa to strengthen partnerships aimed at advancing skills development and technical education on the continent.

He made the call during a visit by a delegation from the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) to the headquarters of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in Abuja. According to him, greater collaboration among African countries is essential for building a workforce equipped with the skills required to compete in the global economy.

Dr. Mohammed described the visit as a reflection of the growing commitment among African nations to improve Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), stressing that institutions responsible for vocational education must work together to address challenges relating to quality, relevance, and employability. He noted that collaborative engagements provide opportunities for countries to exchange ideas, benchmark best practices, and improve standards in technical education.

The NABTEB Registrar reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to support knowledge sharing, technical cooperation, and institutional partnerships that can strengthen vocational and technical assessment systems across Africa. He emphasized that agencies involved in TVET development must leverage their collective expertise to create education systems that respond effectively to the evolving needs of industries and employers.

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Highlighting the importance of NERDC in Nigeria’s education sector, Mohammed described the council as a leading institution in curriculum development, educational research, and innovation. He noted that the council's work plays a critical role in curriculum alignment, assessment development, and quality assurance, all of which are essential for the effective delivery of technical and vocational education.

He also commended the management of NERDC for organizing the engagement and providing a platform for meaningful discussions on educational development. According to him, the interaction represents a significant step toward building stronger institutional relationships among African countries and fostering regional cooperation in TVET.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting curriculum innovation and educational research. He explained that NABTEB, established by Act 70 of 1993, remains a key institution responsible for assessing technical and business education in Nigeria.

Prof. Shehu further disclosed that the collaboration aligns with NABTEB’s ongoing efforts to review and validate 26 trade syllabi covering emerging sectors such as coding and robotics, smart agriculture, solar photovoltaic installation, and creative media. The initiative is designed to ensure that vocational curricula remain relevant to modern industry demands and can serve as models for adoption across other African countries.

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Also addressing participants, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by the Deputy Director of Technology and Science Education, Mr. Kehinde Osinaike, described the visit as a major milestone in African educational cooperation. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transitioning Nigeria from a certificate-driven economy to a skills-based economy through practical and industry-focused education.

According to him, the transformation of Africa’s education systems must begin with curricula that are functional, practical, and forward-looking, ensuring that graduates possess the competencies required to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and development.

The engagement brought together officials from NABTEB, NERDC, and UVTAB to explore opportunities for cooperation in curriculum development, assessment standards, skills acquisition, and technical education reforms. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the discussions would pave the way for long-term partnerships capable of enhancing workforce development, improving employability, and strengthening vocational education systems across Africa.