Trade schools in Nigeria: Full list

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In recent years, trade schools in Nigeria have become a practical and popular option for young people who want to learn valuable skills and start earning faster. With rising unemployment and the high cost of university education, many Nigerians are now turning to trade schools as a reliable alternative for a better future.

Why Trade Schools in Nigeria Are Becoming More Popular

Trade schools in Nigeria are institutions where students learn hands-on skills like welding, tailoring, hairdressing, plumbing, ICT, and electrical installation. Unlike universities that focus more on theory, trade schools focus on practical training. This makes it easier for students to start working immediately after graduation.

Benefits include:

Short duration: Many programs last between 6 months and 2 years.
Affordable tuition: Trade schools are generally cheaper than universities.
Job-ready skills: Students are trained to meet the needs of industries.
High demand: Skilled workers are always needed in Nigeria.

Example: A student who studies plumbing in a trade school can begin working with construction companies or offer freelance services in their community within a year.

Popular Courses Offered in Trade Schools in Nigeria

Here are some of the most sought-after courses:

Electrical installation
Plumbing and pipefitting
Fashion design and tailoring
Hairdressing and beauty therapy
Welding and fabrication
Computer and phone repairs
Catering and hotel services
Auto mechanic technician

These courses are selected based on the high demand for such services in the Nigerian job market.

Top Trade Schools in Nigeria

Some of the best trade schools in Nigeria include:

Government Technical Colleges (located in states like Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers)
NABTEB-accredited centers
Lagos State Technical Colleges (LASTVEB)
Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Training Centers
Private schools like Samonda Vocational School in Ibadan and Ladoke Akintola Institute in Lagos

Tip: Always check if a school is accredited by NBTE or NABTEB before enrolling.

List of trade schools in nigeria

Trade schools, also known as technical or vocational colleges, are institutions that provide hands-on training and practical skills in various trades and professions. In Nigeria, trade schools play a crucial role in equipping young people with the technical knowledge needed for self-employment or skilled job opportunities in areas like carpentry, plumbing, welding, electrical works, auto mechanics, fashion design, catering, ICT, and more.

Here’s a list of trade schools in Nigeria categorize by Federal, States, and Privates owned:

Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTC) in Nigeria

FSTC Ohanso – Abia State
FSTC Uyo – Akwa Ibom State
FSTC Otukpo – Benue State
FSTC Lassa – Borno State
FSTC Kafanchan – Kaduna State
FSTC Zuru – Kebbi State
FSTC Yaba – Lagos State
FSTC Kuta – Niger State
FSTC Ijebu Mushin – Ogun State
FSTC Ilesha – Osun State
FSTC Jalingo – Taraba State
FSTC Orozo – Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
FSTC Tungbo – Bayelsa State
FSTC Ikare Akoko – Ondo State
FSTC Uromi – Edo State
FSTC Michika – Adamawa State
FSTC Usi – Ekiti State
FSTC Awka – Anambra State
FSTC Ahoada – Rivers State

These institutions offer high-standard facilities and follow a national curriculum designed to meet modern technical demands.

State-Owned Technical Colleges by State

Abia State

Aba Boys Technical College, Aba
Abia Girls Technical College, Ania, Ohafia

Adamawa State

Technical Colleges in Yola, Mubi, and Numan

Akwa Ibom State

GTCs in Ikot Akata, Ikpa (Eket), Abak, and Ikot Ada Idem

Anambra State

GTC Onitsha
GTC Nsukka (Note: Nsukka is typically in Enugu State, possibly an error in listing)

Bauchi State

GTCs in Gumau and Gadau

Bayelsa State

GTC Ekowe

Benue State

GTC Makurdi

Borno State

GTCs in Damboa and Bama

Cross River State

GTC Ogoja, St. Patrick’s Ugep, Community Technical College Ikot Effanga Mkpa, and Bendi Technical College

Ebonyi State

GTCs in Abakaliki and Afikpo

Edo State

GTCs in Afuze, Benin City, and Igarra

Ekiti State

GTCs in Ado-Ekiti, Ikole, Ijero-Ekiti, and Otun-Ekiti

Delta State

GTCs in Issele Uku, Otogor (Ughelli), Ozoro, Agbor, Sapele, and Utagbe-Ogbe (Kwale)

Gombe State

GTC Kumo

Imo State

Ahiara Technical College, Okporo Technical College, Osu Technical College, GTC Owerri

Kaduna State

GTCs in Malali, Soba, Kajuru, Zaria, and Makarfi

Katsina State

GTCs in Mai Adua, Charanchi, Ingawa, Funtua, and Mashi

Kano State

GTCs in Kano, Wudil, Bagauda, and Ungogo

Kebbi State

GTCs in Zuru and Burza

Kogi State

GTCs in Mopa, Oboroke, Ankpa, Odu, and Idah

Kwara State

GTCs in Esie Iludun, Ilorin, Patigi, Erin Ile, and Amodu Osungbolu Technical College

Lagos State

GTCs in Ado Soba, Ikorodu, Ikotun, Mushin, and Industrial Manpower Development Center Epe

Nasarawa State

GTC Asakio

Niger State

GTCs in Minna, Iyagi, New Bussa, Kontagora, Suleja
Note: Okitipupa listed here appears to be in Ondo State

Ogun State

GTCs in Idi-Aba (Abeokuta), Ijebu Ode, Igbesa, Ajegunle, Ijebu Igbo, Ilara Remo, and Ayetoto

Ondo State

GTCs in Owo and Iwaro Oka

Osun State

GTCs in Ile-Ife, Oshogbo, and Ilesha

Oyo State

GTCs in Oyo, Ogbomosho, Igbo-Ora, Saki, Ibadan, and Prospect Continuing Education Center Ibadan

Plateau State

GTC Bukuru

Rivers State

GTCs in Port Harcourt, Ahoada, and Tombia

Sokoto State

GTCs in Farfaru, Runjin Sambo, and Binji

Yobe State

GTC Geidam

Taraba State

GTCs in Gembu, Bali, and Takun

Zamfara State

GTC Kaura Namoda

Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)

FCT Institute of Technical and Vocational Training, Utako

Private Technical Colleges in Nigeria

Don Bosco Training Center – Onitsha, Anambra State
Folk Technical College – Ikwo, Ebonyi State
Don Bosco Training Institute – Ondo, Ondo State

Admission Requirements and Duration

Requirements: Most schools accept candidates with at least a Junior Secondary School Certificate (JSSCE). Some require Senior WAEC or NECO.
Duration: Courses typically last from 6 months to 3 years.
Certification: Students earn a Trade Test Certificate, NABTEB, or City & Guilds certification.

Career Opportunities After Graduating

Graduates from trade schools in Nigeria can:

Work in industries such as construction, hospitality, and ICT.
Start their own businesses, offering services like tailoring, electrical repairs, or catering.
Further their education or go into apprenticeships for specialization.

Example: A graduate in catering can open a small restaurant or home-based catering service.

Government Support for Trade Schools in Nigeria

The Nigerian government recognizes the vital role that trade schools and vocational training play in reducing unemployment and building a skilled workforce. Over the years, several initiatives and agencies have been established to strengthen technical education and support young Nigerians in acquiring hands-on skills. Below are some of the most impactful government efforts:

1. NBTE

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is the main regulatory body for polytechnics, monotechnics, and technical colleges in Nigeria. It plays a critical role in:

Accrediting trade and vocational schools to ensure they meet national standards.
Developing and reviewing curricula in line with industry needs.
Monitoring performance and training delivery across institutions.

Thanks to NBTE’s oversight, many schools now offer structured training that leads to recognized certifications, which improves employability both locally and abroad.

2. NDE

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) was created specifically to tackle unemployment through skills acquisition. It runs a variety of programs targeted at young school leavers and graduates, including:

Vocational Skills Development (VSD): Offers hands-on training in trades such as tailoring, welding, carpentry, ICT, and more.
Start-Your-Own-Business Programs: After training, beneficiaries are given basic equipment and mentorship to start small businesses.
Rural Employment Promotion (REP): Targets youths in rural communities to learn farming and agro-allied trades.

Thousands of young Nigerians have benefited from these initiatives, gaining both confidence and income-generating abilities.

3. ITF

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) focuses on building industry-relevant skills and linking training with practical employment. Through its National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), the ITF has:

Trained over hundreds of thousands of Nigerian youths in skills like electrical installation, plumbing, automotive repairs, and baking.
Provided starter packs and tool kits to graduates to help them begin their own businesses immediately after training.
Partnered with private sector employers to place graduates in internships and apprenticeship programs.

The ITF’s combination of training, tools, and job linkage has made it one of the most effective vocational empowerment programs in the country.

Government support for trade schools is not just about education — it’s a long-term investment in Nigeria’s economy. By equipping young people with practical skills, the nation is:

Reducing unemployment
Encouraging entrepreneurship
Meeting industry demands for skilled labor
Fostering innovation and self-reliance

These efforts also align with global goals for inclusive and equitable quality education and decent work for all, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How to Choose the Right Trade School in Nigeria

Choosing the right trade school in Nigeria is a crucial decision that can shape your future career. With many technical and vocational institutions across the country, it’s important to carefully assess your options before enrolling. Below are the key factors to consider when selecting a trade school:

1. Accreditation Matters

The first and most important factor is accreditation. Make sure the school is accredited by recognized bodies such as:

NBTE (National Board for Technical Education) – This ensures the curriculum meets national standards.
NABTEB (National Business and Technical Examinations Board) – A school offering NABTEB certifications adds credibility to your qualification.
City & Guilds (International Certification) – Some reputable schools offer this globally recognized certification, which is great if you plan to work abroad.

An accredited trade school assures quality training, access to standardized exams, and wider job opportunities.

2. Experienced and Qualified Instructors

A school is only as good as its teachers. Look for schools with well-trained instructors who have both academic qualifications and hands-on industry experience. They should be able to teach not only theory but also real-life applications of the skills.

Ask questions like:

Do the instructors have trade certifications?
Have they worked in the field they are teaching?

A skilled instructor can make a big difference in your learning experience.

3. Modern and Practical Training Facilities

Technical education is practical by nature. So, the availability of modern tools, machines, and labs is essential. Visit the school (if possible) and check for:

Functional workshops
Updated equipment and machinery
Hands-on training opportunities

Schools with outdated or inadequate tools may not prepare you well for real-world jobs.

4. Reputation and Success Rate

Do some research on the school’s track record. A reputable trade school often has strong partnerships with industries and companies. Find out:

What are their graduate employment rates?
Do past students recommend the school?
Are there internship or apprenticeship opportunities?

Schools with a good name are more likely to help you connect with jobs after graduation.

5. Affordability and Financial Aid

Cost is another important factor. Compare tuition fees, boarding, and materials costs among schools. Make sure the fees align with your budget without compromising quality.

Some trade schools also offer:

Scholarships
Payment plans
Government-funded programs

Look out for these to ease your financial burden while studying.

Pro Tip: Before making your final choice, talk to current or former students and try to attend an open day or career fair to get a real feel for the environment.

FAQs About Trade Schools in Nigeria

1. What is a trade school?

A trade school is a place where people learn practical skills like plumbing, tailoring, and electronics that prepare them for direct entry into the workforce.

2. How long is a trade school program in Nigeria?

Programs can range from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the course and certification level.

3. Are trade schools better than universities?

It depends on your goals. If you want to learn a skill quickly and start working or running a business, a trade school is a faster and cheaper option.

4. Can I get a job with a trade school certificate in Nigeria?

Yes! Skilled workers are in high demand. Many industries and even the government employ people with trade certifications.

5. Are there government trade schools in Nigeria?

Yes, many are managed by state governments and agencies like NBTE, NDE, and ITF.

Conclusion

Trade schools in Nigeria offer a solid path to success for those who are ready to work with their hands and learn practical skills. Whether you want to become a hairstylist, electrician, Auto mechanic, or fashion designer, there’s a trade school out there to help you achieve your dreams.