FG introduces bricklaying, plumbing, 24 other trades for technical education curriculum

The Federal Government has introduced 26 new trade areas into the national technical education curriculum, a reform set to begin in the 2025/2026 academic session.

According to the Ministry of Education, the new structure is aimed at aligning skills acquisition with industry needs while reducing curriculum overload for students in federal technical colleges.

Ministry spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, explained that all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) will now transition into full-fledged Federal Technical Colleges. Under the new policy, students will take one trade course alongside their general subjects.

Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, said the reform is designed to produce a technically skilled, industry-ready workforce.

The approved trade areas include bricklaying, plumbing, carpentry, computer hardware and GSM repair, refrigeration and air-conditioning, mechanised agriculture, welding and fabrication, automobile mechanics, solar installation, catering, fashion design, livestock and fish farming, creative media, social media content creation, and leather works, among others.

In addition, a new subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, will be introduced. The subject will merge Nigerian history, civic education, and social studies to instill national values and prepare students for responsible citizenship.

The 26 approved trade areas include:

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 (Mechanics/Operations, Smart Agriculture)
Autobody Works
Catering Craft Practice
Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
Fashion Design and Garment Making
Livestock Farming/Animal Husbandry
Fish Farming Activity (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)
Electronic Systems Maintenance Craft
Furniture Making & Upholstery
Networking & System Security (Satellite TV Antenna Installation and Maintenance)
Social Media Content Creation and Management
Tiling & Cladding (Decorative Stonework, Floor Cover Installation)
Automobile CNG Conversion and Maintenance
Leather Works