Secondary vocational education in Nigeria

In Nigeria, secondary vocational education is part of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) determines the content of study programmes (curriculum) and checks the educational institutions (TVET institutions). The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) organises the exams and awards most diplomas.

Types of educational institutions

Students can go to TVET institutions for secondary vocational education. There are various types of TVET institutions. TVET institutions need to be accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). On the website of the NBTE you can find an overview of all accredited TVET institutions. Please note: if you move your mouse cursor over ‘TVET institutions’ on the website, a drop-down list of 10 types of TVET institutions will appear. You can click on a type to get an overview of accredited TVET institutions for that type.

Types of study programmes

There are many types of study programmes in Nigerian secondary vocational education. On the NBTE website you can find overviews of approved study programmes. The study programmes have different admission requirements, duration, content and . You will need information about this in order to determine the level of a diploma. On this page, we describe the diploma we often see.

National Technical Certificate (NTC)

We compare the National Technical Certificate to an diploma level 2 or 3. This depends on the content of the study programme.

National Business Certificate (NBC)

We compare the National Business Certificate to an diploma level 2 or 3. This depends on the content of the study programme.

Advanced National Technical Certificate (ANTC)

We compare the Advanced National Technical Certificate to an diploma level 3 or 4. This depends on the content of the study programme.

Advanced National Business Certificate (ANBC)

We compare the Advanced National Business Certificate to an diploma level 3 or 4. This depends on the content of the study programme.

National Diploma (ND)

Want to know more?

Do you have any questions about secondary vocational education in Nigeria? Please contact SBB. SBB compares foreign secondary vocational education qualifications for people looking for work.