ABUJA — The Federal Government has commenced a capacity-building programme designed to strengthen teaching and assessment in Nigeria's technical and vocational education and training system. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Institute of Education in Singapore and involves instructors from federal and state institutions. The programme, known as the Train the Trainers Pedagogy and Assessment Programme, is intended to improve the ability of TVET instructors to deliver practical and industry-relevant education. The first cohort consists of 60 teachers undergoing training in Abuja, while another 60 instructors are expected to participate in a second cohort in Lagos. Technical and vocational education has become increasingly important in Nigeria as policymakers seek to expand opportunities for young people beyond conventional academic pathways. TVET can equip students with practical skills in areas such as construction, manufacturing, information technology, agriculture, electrical work and other technical occupations. The quality of instruction is central to the success of vocational education. Teachers need both technical knowledge and effective methods for transferring that knowledge to students. Modern assessment techniques can also help institutions determine whether learners have acquired the practical competencies expected of them. The training programme therefore focuses not only on subject knowledge but also on pedagogy and assessment. Industry relevance is another important consideration. Employers require workers who can use equipment safely, solve problems and adapt to changing technologies. TVET institutions must therefore keep their programmes aligned with workplace requirements. Partnerships with industry can provide opportunities for instructors and students to gain exposure to modern practices. Nigeria's growing population makes skills development a major policy issue. Large numbers of young people enter the labour market every year, while businesses continue to report shortages of workers with specialised technical skills. Strengthening vocational education can help close part of that gap. It can also support entrepreneurship. Skilled graduates can establish small businesses and provide services within their communities rather than depending entirely on formal employment. However, effective TVET requires more than teacher training. Institutions need functioning workshops, laboratories, tools and equipment. Students must have opportunities to practise the skills they are taught. Reliable electricity and other infrastructure are also important for technical programmes. The government's training initiative can therefore be viewed as one component of a wider reform agenda. The partnership with Singapore provides Nigerian instructors with exposure to approaches used in another education system. Knowledge gained through the programme can then be adapted to Nigerian conditions. Assessment is particularly important because employers need confidence that graduates possess the skills indicated by their qualifications. Competency-based approaches can help institutions measure practical abilities more accurately. The programme also demonstrates the importance of continuous professional development for teachers. Education systems change as technology and labour-market needs evolve. Instructors must therefore have opportunities to update their knowledge throughout their careers. If sustained, capacity-building programmes can improve the quality of instruction and strengthen the reputation of vocational education. Nigeria needs a system in which technical skills are valued alongside university degrees. Such an approach can expand opportunities for young people and support industrial development. The latest training programme is therefore part of a broader effort to improve the country's human capital. Its long-term impact will depend on how the participating instructors apply the knowledge gained and whether institutions receive the facilities required to support effective practical education.