Over 30,000 students across Nigeria sat for the TVET Entrance Examination 2025 on Saturday, as the Federal Government officially flagged off the program through the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).

The entrance exam marks the beginning of a fully funded, hands-on technical training program that offers students a pathway into Federal Technical Colleges. But more than that, it is a strategic effort by the government to equip Nigerian youth with marketable trade skills, free certifications, starter packs, and access to business loans.

The TVET 2025 Program at a Glance

Feature	Details
Program Name	TVET Entrance Examination 2025
Conducted By	NABTEB
Eligible Participants	30,000+ students across all 36 states + FCT
Training Duration	6 months, 9 months, or 1 year
Benefits	Free training, starter kits, certification, loans
Result Release	Within 21 days
Training Locations	Nationwide Federal Technical Colleges

Speaking at the launch, NABTEB Registrar, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, explained that the initiative goes beyond classroom learning. “No country can build a strong economy without skilled workers,” he said. “Degrees are fine, but now the real question is: What can you offer?”

The program aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign artisans by training youth in vital trades like:

Electrical installation
POP and tiling work
Auto mechanics
Tailoring
Solar system maintenance
Welding and plumbing
HVAC and refrigeration

Who Is Eligible and What Comes Next?

This year’s exam was written by over 30,000 students, but performance is not the only criterion. The test also gathers data to identify each student’s aptitude and interest, matching them to relevant trade areas for training.

According to NABTEB:

Results will be released in 21 days
Successful candidates will be placed into specific trade programs
Training will commence shortly after and run for 6 to 12 months
Graduates will receive starter packs and access to loans or job placement

What Makes This Program Unique

Unlike previous interventions, the 2025 TVET scheme comes with a comprehensive post-training support system:

✅ Free tuition and tools
✅ Nationally recognized certification
✅ Starter packs and toolkits for graduates
✅ Loans for entrepreneurs
✅ Fast-track entry into Federal Government job opportunities

NABTEB also revealed that future versions of the exam will be conducted digitally, making the process more inclusive and efficient.

National Impact: A Shift Toward Economic Self-Reliance

This move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic agenda to grow local industries and reduce the outflow of jobs to foreign nationals. Many public and private projects in Nigeria have been staffed by non-Nigerian artisans, especially in construction, electrical, and mechanical roles.

Officials say programs like TVET will reverse that trend by supplying a competent and certified local workforce.

“We’re building a system that makes Nigerian youth the first choice, not the last resort,” said a Federal Ministry of Education representative during the launch.

What Should Students and Parents Do Now?

If you, your child, or someone you know took part in the TVET 2025 exam, here’s what comes next:

Monitor NABTEB’s official website for result announcements
Prepare for possible placement and training
Get ready to take advantage of the starter pack and business support program