Secondary vocational education
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.
On this webpage, we describe the diploma we often see. We explain how to check the accreditation of TVET institutions and study programmes on our Educational institutions and study programmes webpage.
National Technical Certificate (NTC)
- : 3 years.
- Content: mainly subjects aimed at a technical profession, such as plumber or electrical engineer, and an internship/practical experience. On the NBTE website you can find an overview of NTC fields of study and subjects.
- Admission requirements: the Basic Education Certificate.
- Function of the diploma: work and sometimes acces to higher education.
- Diploma: National Technical Certificate from the NABTEB.
Duration
The official length of the full-time programme (not part-time) without study delay.
We compare the National Technical Certificate to an diploma level 2 or 3. This depends on the content of the study programme.
MBO
Secondary vocational education (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, MBO). MBO prepares pupils for the professional practice or further study. This type of education follows on from VMBO; its duration will depend on the chosen qualification. MBO comprises 4 levels (I-IV). Read more on the website of SBB.
National Business Certificate (NBC)
- Duration: 3 years.
- Content: mainly subjects aimed at a commercial profession, such as salesperson or secretary, and an internship/practical experience. On the NBTE website you can find an overview of NBC fields of study and subjects.
- Admission requirements: the Basic Education Certificate.
- Function of the diploma: work and sometimes acces to higher education.
- Diploma: National Business Certificate from the NABTEB.
We compare the National Business Certificate to an diploma level 2 or 3. This depends on the content of the study programme.
MBO
Secondary vocational education (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, MBO). MBO prepares pupils for the professional practice or further study. This type of education follows on from VMBO; its duration will depend on the chosen qualification. MBO comprises 4 levels (I-IV). Read more on the website of SBB.
Advanced National Technical Certificate (ANTC)
- Duration: 1 year.
- Content: continuation of the NTC field of study. On the NBTE website you can find an overview of ANTC fields of study and subjects.
- Admission requirements: the National Technical Certificate (NTC) and at least 2 years of work experience.
- Function of the diploma: work and acces to study programmes leading to a National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND).
- Diploma: Advanced National Technical Certificate from the NABTEB.
We compare the Advanced National Technical Certificate to an diploma level 3 or 4. This depends on the content of the study programme.
MBO
Secondary vocational education (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, MBO). MBO prepares pupils for the professional practice or further study. This type of education follows on from VMBO; its duration will depend on the chosen qualification. MBO comprises 4 levels (I-IV). Read more on the website of SBB.
Advanced National Business Certificate (ANBC)
- Duration: 1 year.
- Content: continuation of the NBC field of study. On the NBTE website you can find an overview of ANBC fields of study and subjects.
- Admission requirements: the National Business Certificate (NBC) and at least 2 years of work experience.
- Function of the diploma: work and acces to study programmes leading to a ND or HND.
- Diploma: Advanced National Business Certificate from the NABTEB.
We compare the Advanced National Business Certificate to an diploma level 3 or 4. This depends on the content of the study programme.
MBO
Secondary vocational education (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, MBO). MBO prepares pupils for the professional practice or further study. This type of education follows on from VMBO; its duration will depend on the chosen qualification. MBO comprises 4 levels (I-IV). Read more on the website of SBB.
National Diploma (ND)
- Duration: 2 years.
- Content: mainly vocational subjects, but also a number of general subjects. Students also gain practical experience. On the NBTE website you can find an overview of ND fields of study and subjects.
- Admission requirements: the West African Senior School Certificate from the WAEC or Senior School Certificate from the NECO and extra requirements for subjects and grades. An educational institution may also accept other diplomas for admission.
- Function of the diploma: work or acces to higher education.
- Diploma: National Diploma.
We compare a National Diploma to an MBO diploma level 4.
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.