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The Bureau News reports that the Federal Government has intensified its partnership with Singapore to strengthen Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, with plans to introduce a two-year diploma in Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications across institutions nationwide.
The development was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, following a meeting in Abuja with Singapore’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Lim Sim Seng.
Two-Year AI Diploma Programme Unveiled
According to the Minister, the collaboration will involve Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education Education Services (ITEES), which will support the development and implementation of the AI-focused diploma programme.
“We will collaborate on the development and implementation of a two-year technical diploma in AI applications across institutions in the country,” Dr. Alausa stated.
The proposed programme represents a significant shift toward embedding advanced digital skills within Nigeria’s technical education framework, expanding beyond traditional vocational trades.
Under the agreement, the Global Excellence Model for Skills Training will also be introduced, providing a structured framework to assess TVET institutions nationwide across seven dimensions of excellence.
Capacity Building and Institutional Reform
The partnership includes leadership development initiatives for 40 heads of technical institutions, alongside a Train-the-Trainer programme focused on assessment methodology and pedagogy.
Dr. Alausa explained that the collaboration will strengthen institutional governance and improve teaching quality, while introducing measurable performance standards for TVET centres across Nigeria.
The initiative builds on engagements held in Singapore in late 2025, where Nigerian education officials toured the Institute of Technical Education campuses and held discussions aimed at expanding cooperation with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Broader TVET Reforms in Nigeria
The Federal Government has undertaken sweeping reforms in the TVET sector, including restructuring curricula to focus 80 percent on practical skills and 20 percent on theory.
In 2025, the nationwide TVET programme recorded over 90,000 applications within its first week, while entrance examination participation reportedly increased by nearly 300 percent compared to the previous year.
Other reforms include stipends for technical college trainees, infrastructure upgrades, and the introduction of biometric attendance verification systems to enhance transparency and curb fraud.
Singapore is widely regarded as a global model for building a skills-driven economy through structured vocational pathways and strong industry linkages. The collaboration signals Nigeria’s intent to align its technical education system with global best practices.
