The Federal Ministry of Education has called on small, medium, and large-scale industries across Nigeria to participate in its Industry Mapping Sensitization Program aimed at connecting technical college students with practical workplace experience.
In a statement on Monday, the ministry said the initiative will bridge the skills gap by linking students to industries where they can gain hands-on training in trades ranging from bricklaying and carpentry to artificial intelligence and robotics.
The Industry Mapping Sensitization Program will hold between August 7 and 27, 2025, in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Yola, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
“We are building the future one skill at a time, and we call on industries to partner with us in equipping our youth for the workplace of tomorrow,” the statement read.
The call for industry collaboration follows significant reforms in Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
Since late 2024, the government has shifted the curriculum from 80% theory and 20% practical to 80% practical and 20% theory, upgraded 38 technical colleges, and introduced artisan-led mentorship models.
According to the ministry, the Federal Government will cover the training fees, where participating industries will receive a set fee per student per period of the Student Industrial/Field Work Experience Scheme (SIWES/SFWES) for the three years each student spends in a Technical College
Students will be given monthly stipends, while industries will get guidance on training and mentoring practices.
The program offers 18 trades, including GSM repair, electrical and solar installation, welding, plumbing, and carpentry.
The program offers 18 trades, including GSM repair, electrical and solar installation, welding, plumbing, and carpentry
It will also expand into 14 emerging trades between 2026 and 2027, such as AI/ML, robotics, smart agriculture, networking/security, and creative content development.
Industries will be supported on how to effectively train and mentor students throughout the programme.
The sensitization meetings will take place across the six geopolitical zones.