FG partners singapore to upgrade Nigeria’s technical, vocational education system

The Federal Government has formalised a new partnership with Singapore aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system and improving the quality of technical education across the country.

The agreement, signed between the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and ITE Education Services (ITEES) of Singapore, is expected to enhance the capacity of instructors and institutional leaders in Nigeria’s technical institutions through specialised training and international best practices.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the agreement was signed during a ceremony linking officials in Abuja and Singapore.

The collaboration builds on engagements initiated during the official visit of Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, to Singapore in 2025.

During the visit, Alausa held discussions with Desmond Lee, Singapore’s Minister of Education, and toured campuses of the Institute of Technical Education to study the country’s globally recognised technical education system.

Earlier discussions were also held with Lim Sim Seng, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, during a meeting at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja in February, where both sides finalised details of the agreement.

Under the partnership, ITEES will implement a Train-the-Trainer Programme aimed at strengthening the pedagogical and assessment capabilities of TVET instructors from technical institutions across Nigeria. The initiative is expected to equip educators with modern teaching methods and improve the quality of technical training delivered to students.

The agreement also provides for leadership training in Singapore for principals and heads of departments of technical institutions nationwide to enhance institutional management and governance.

Under the agreement, ITEES will support Nigeria with a Train-the-Trainer Programme designed to strengthen pedagogical and assessment capabilities of TVET instructors from technical institutions across the nation, ensuring that they deliver high-quality technical training with global standards.

“The agreement also includes strengthened institutional leadership via a leadership training in Singapore for principals and heads of departments from technical institutions nationwide, as well as the introduction of the Global Excellence Model for Skills Training (GEMSET) in Nigeria,” the statement read.

In addition, Nigeria will adopt the Global Excellence Model for Skills Training (GEMSET), a framework that will assess TVET institutions across seven key dimensions of excellence using internationally recognised benchmarks.

The model will provide a structured pathway for institutional improvements, including the revamping of workshops and facilities, while aligning Nigeria’s technical education system with global standards.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Alausa said Singapore’s TVET system has become a global reference point for countries seeking to develop highly skilled and competitive workforces.

He noted that Nigeria’s collaboration with ITEES would accelerate efforts to transform the country’s technical education ecosystem by strengthening institutional capacity and equipping educators with modern teaching and assessment methodologies.

The minister added that the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reposition technical education as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and industrial development.

The initiative also supports the National Education, Skills and Research for Innovation (NESRI) agenda of the Federal Ministry of Education and aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to transform Nigeria into a globally competitive, knowledge-driven economy powered by skills, innovation and human capital development.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging strategic international partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s TVET system and equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills.