If you didn’t get the JAMB or post-UTME score you needed for university, a Vocational Enterprise Institution (VEI) is a credible alternative. VEIs are accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and award the National Vocational Certificate (NVC) — a recognised, competence-based qualification under the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF).
This guide explains what VEIs do, the courses they offer, and lists 78 NBTE-accredited centres across Nigeria.
About the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
The NBTE was established by Federal Government decree in 1977 with its headquarters in Kaduna. It accredits and supervises Nigeria’s polytechnics, monotechnics, technical colleges, and the rapidly growing network of Vocational Enterprise Institutions (VEIs), Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs), and Modular Course Providers (MCPs).
What is a Vocational Enterprise Institution (VEI)?
A VEI is a private or public training centre approved by NBTE to deliver competence-based vocational programmes leading to the National Vocational Certificate (NVC). VEIs target school leavers, jobseekers without university qualifications, working adults wanting new skills, and would-be entrepreneurs.
VEIs differ from IEIs in scope: IEIs offer higher-level, more academic Innovation Diplomas; MCPs run short modular courses on a single skill (e.g. hospitality, mechatronics, ICT).
Who VEIs are for
- School leavers without a university place
- Adults seeking practical skills without committing to full-time degree study
- Jobseekers wanting an industry-recognised vocational certificate
- Aspiring entrepreneurs in trades like fashion, catering, ICT, welding, or beauty
- Graduates wanting employable skills on top of their degree
Why choose a VEI
- Practical, hands-on training tied to industry standards
- Shorter than a typical degree programme
- Most VEIs do not require JAMB UTME for admission
- NVC is recognised under the National Skills Qualifications Framework
Admission Requirement for VEIs
The standard requirement is at least five credits in WAEC (West African Examination Council) or NECO (National Examination Council), including English and Mathematics where the course demands them. Most VEIs do not require JAMB UTME and do not set a JAMB cut-off mark. Each centre may add its own admission test or interview, so check directly with the institution.
NBTE-Accredited Vocational Enterprise Institutions in Nigeria
The NBTE confirms its full list of approved training centres is the public directory on web.nbte.gov.ng — and warns that any list not sourced from the official site is unofficial. NBTE’s directory currently contains roughly 1,922 accredited centres nationwide (across VEIs, IEIs, MCPs, and other technical institutions); always verify a centre’s status on the NBTE site before paying tuition.
The 78 VEIs below are part of that wider network.
| S/N | Institution | Approved NVC Courses | Ownership | Year Approved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adhama Innovation Enterprise Institute, 171 Mission Road, Bompai, Kano | Fashion Design | Private | 2018 |
| 2 | Agency for Mass Education (AME) Training Centres, OAU Quarters, Asokoro, Garki, Abuja | Agriculture | Federal | 2010 |
| 3 | Agency for Mass Education Technology Centre, Asokoro & VTC Kwali Campus, Abuja | Agriculture | Federal | 2010 |
| 4 | Ambassador College of Management & Technology, 80c Igwuruta Road, Rumuokwurushi, Port Harcourt | Office Secretarial Assistant | Private | 2009 |
| 5 | Armed Forces Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics School, Mogadishu Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja | Automotive Mechatronics | Federal | 2016 |
| 6 | Best Global Business and Financial School, Kachia Road, Kaduna | Office Secretarial Assistant | Private | 2015 |
| 7 | Bonny Vocational Centre, Bonny Island, Rivers State | Carpentry & Joinery; Computer Studies; Electrical Installation; Hospitality & Tourism; Office Secretarial Assistant; Plumbing & Pipefitting; Refrigeration & Air-conditioning | Private | 2013 |
| 8 | Buckingham Academy of Management & Technology, Buckingham Estate, Old Awka Road, Ogidi, Anambra State | Computer Studies | Private | 2009 |
| 9 | Calvary Foundation Institute of Technology (CAFITECH), Enugu | Carpentry & Joinery; Electrical Installation | Private | 2013 |
| 10 | Central Institute of Business and Technology, Km 4 Benin-Abraka Road, Egba, Benin City | Electrical Installation; Fashion Design | Private | 2016 |
| 11 | Cherish Enterprise Institute, Batsari, Katsina State | Computer Studies | Private | 2013 |
| 12 | Complete Computers and Technology Institute, Benin City, Edo State | Computer Studies | Private | 2012 |
| 13 | Dalewares Institute of Technology, 33 Imani Dauda St, Off Eric Moore Road, Surulere, Lagos | Computer Studies; Printing Technology | Private | 2008 |
| 14 | Damson Institute of Management and Technology, Damson Street, Phase 1 Jikwoyi, Nyanya-Karshi Road, FCT Abuja | Hospitality & Tourism | Private | 2018 |
| 15 | DOF Institute of Catering and Hospitality, Dalian Plaza, 43 Oritshe Street off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos | Hospitality & Tourism | Private | 2009 |
| 16 | Environmental Sustainability Thinking and Action Centre (ESTAC), 1 Mike Toney Avenue, Phase 6 Trans Ekulu, Enugu | Block Laying & Concreting | Private | 2008 |
| 17 | Entrepreneurship Vocational Technology Ltd, Matan Fada, Kano | Carpentry & Joinery; Computer Studies; Fashion Design; Fabrication & Welding | State | 2010 |
| 18 | Exhale Salon and Beauty Institute, 2A Kwato Road / Ibrahim Zaki Road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna | Cosmetology & Beauty Therapy | Private | 2010 |
| 19 | FCFM-Afaka Entrepreneurship Centre, Kaduna | Agriculture | Federal | 2010 |
| 20 | First Mark Innovation School of Technology, Ado-Ekiti | Computer Studies | Private | 2012 |
| 21 | Flyingdove Institute of Information Technology, Abuja, FCT | Computer Studies | Private | 2010 |
| 22 | Gateway Industrial Petrogas Institute, Oni, Ogun State | Fabrication & Welding; Plumbing & Pipefitting | State | 2013 |
| 23 | Global Maritime Academy, Ogoni-Olomu, Delta State | Computer Studies; Electrical Installation; Office Secretariat Assistant | Private | 2012 |
| 24 | Hajia Sa’adatu and Umul-khairi Foundation, Kano | Cosmetology & Beauty Therapy; Fashion Design | Private | 2015 |
| 25 | Hanzy Beauty International Institute Ltd, Kaduna | Cosmetology & Beauty Therapy | Private | 2010 |
| 26 | Highland College of Technology & Further Studies, 98 Iwo Road, Ibadan | Hospitality & Tourism | Private | 2008 |
| 27 | Homik Oil and Gas Facility Engineering School, NTA/Choba Road, Ozuoba, Port Harcourt | Oil and Gas Facilities Engineering Technology | Private | 2018 |
| 28 | Hotel & Tourism Business School, Ikeja, Lagos | Hospitality & Tourism | Private | 2012 |
| 29 | IMFI-ICT Academy, 54 Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo, Akwa Ibom | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 30 | Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Models Skills Training Centre, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Maitama, Abuja | Hospitality & Tourism; Automotive Mechatronics; Electrical Installation | Federal | 2016 |
| 31 | Innovation Institute of Technology, 5 Yakubu Gowon Way, Kaduna | Computer Studies | Private | 2009 |
| 32 | Institute of Administration and Construction Engineering, Awgu, Enugu State | Electrical Installation; Fabrication & Welding | Private | 2013 |
| 33 | Institute of Information and Computer Technology, Awgu, Enugu State | Computer Studies | Private | 2013 |
| 34 | International Chaplaincy Corps Network (ICCN) Institute of Security Technology and Management, Orlu, Imo State | Computer Studies; Office Secretarial Assistant | Private | 2013 |
| 35 | International Vocational Technical Entrepreneurship Centre (IVTECH), Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State | Refrigeration & Air-conditioning | State | 2019 |
| 36 | Izisco Obos Institute of Marine Studies & Technology, Warri, Delta State | Electrical Installation; Fabrication & Welding | Private | 2013 |
| 37 | JKN Training Centre, Oshodi, Lagos | Electrical Installation; Refrigeration & Air-conditioning | Private | 2008 |
| 38 | Kazaure Innovation Institute, c/o Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa State | Fashion Design | Federal | 2010 |
| 39 | Lagos City Computer College, 7 Bashiru Oweh Street, Ikeja, Lagos | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 40 | Landmark Academy of Hospitality Management, Port Harcourt | Hospitality & Tourism | Private | 2013 |
| 41 | Linet Paul Innovative Institute, 1 Sunmail Drive, off Isaac Boro Expressway, Etegwe-Yenagoa, Bayelsa State | Computer Studies | Private | 2010 |
| 42 | Lobi School of Management and Technology, Makurdi | Carpentry & Joinery; Computer Studies; Electrical Installation | Private | 2013 |
| 43 | Mario Institute of Hospitality Management and Entrepreneurship Education, Uhunowerre, Igbo-Eze South LGA, Nsukka, Enugu State | Hospitality & Tourism | Private | 2017 |
| 44 | Minna Institute of Technology and Innovation, Kpakungu Road, Minna, Niger State | Electrical Installation | State | 2016 |
| 45 | NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology, Asokoro, Abuja | Cosmetology & Beauty Therapy | Federal | 2013 |
| 46 | National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Tafawa Balewa Street, Central Business District, Abuja | Computer Studies; Cosmetology & Beauty Therapy; Hospitality & Tourism | Federal | 2010 |
| 47 | Nigeria–Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology, Lokoja, Kogi State | Automotive Mechatronics | State | 2018 |
| 48 | NIIT Education and Training Centre, 9 Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 49 | NIIT Surulere Centre, Lagos | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 50 | NIIT Festac Centre, Lagos | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 51 | NIIT Ajah Centre, Km 11 Lekki-Epe Expressway, First Gate Ikota, Lagos | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 52 | NIIT Benin Centre, 11 Adesuwa Grammar School Road, GRA, Benin City, Edo State | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 53 | NIIT Garki Centre, 4 Dambata Close, off Yola Street, Area 7, Garki, Abuja | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 54 | NIIT Gbagada Centre, 141C Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 55 | NIIT Ikorodu Centre, 14 Olorunojowon Street, Lagos | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 56 | NIIT Offa Centre, 2nd Floor, Olatinwo House, Olofa Way, Offa, Kwara State | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 57 | NIIT Ota Centre, Tantolorun House, Km 1 Idi-iroko Road, Ota Round-About, Ogun State | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 58 | NIIT Owerri Centre, Item Street, Ikenegbui, Owerri, Imo State | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 59 | NIIT Uyo Centre, 30 Udosen Uko Street, off Oron Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 60 | NIIT Warri Centre, 43 Airport Road, Effurun, Warri, Delta State | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 61 | Nspire Educational Services, Oyo House, Central Business District, Abuja | Computer Studies | Private | 2014 |
| 62 | Offer Centre Institute of Agriculture, Olupona, Iwo, Osun State | Agriculture | Private | 2015 |
| 63 | Oseni Elamah ICT Institute, 39 Polytechnic Road, Auchi, Edo State | Computer Studies | Private | 2009 |
| 64 | Peter Akinola Youth Centre for Industrial Training, Abeokuta, Ogun State | Block Laying & Concreting; Computer Studies; Fashion Design | Private | 2015 |
| 65 | Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Training Centre, Plot 1144 Mallam Kulbi Road, Kakuri Industrial Estate, Kaduna | Automotive Mechatronics; Motor Vehicle Mechanics | Private | 2010 |
| 66 | Prime Innovation Institute of Technology, Ajah, Lagos | Computer Studies | Private | 2012 |
| 67 | Rocana Institute of Technology, Enugu | Computer Studies; Printing Technology | Private | 2012 |
| 68 | Rolof Computer Academy, Plot 110 Apala Street, off Okumagba Avenue, Warri, Delta State | Computer Studies | Private | 2017 |
| 69 | Southern Nigerian Institute of Innovation Technology, Ifewara, Ile Ife, Osun State | Computer Studies | Private | 2012 |
| 70 | St. Winifred Innovative Institute, Sango Dina Village off Oloni-Olunde Ayegun Road, Ibadan, Oyo State | Computer Studies | Private | 2008 |
| 71 | Tashiba Institute of Information Technology, Gyallesu, Zaria, Kaduna State | Computer Studies | Private | 2017 |
| 72 | Topearl Catering Institute, Port Harcourt, Rivers State | Hospitality & Tourism | Private | 2013 |
| 73 | UA College of Science and Technology, Osuofia, Anambra State | Block Laying & Concreting | Private | 2015 |
| 74 | Umuebe Farm College, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State | Agriculture | Private | 2010 |
| 75 | Unival Institute of Technology, Benin City | Computer Studies | Private | 2015 |
| 76 | Utagba-Uno Vocational Enterprise Institute, Isumpe Road, Utagba-Uno, Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State | Carpentry & Joinery; Computer Studies; Fabrication & Welding | Private | 2009 |
| 77 | Yenagoa Enterprise School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State | Office Secretarial Assistant | Private | 2015 |
| 78 | Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Vocational Training Centre, Kaduna | Fabrication & Welding | Private | 2012 |
Common NVC Courses Offered at VEIs
- Computer Studies / ICT
- Fashion Design
- Cosmetology & Beauty Therapy
- Hospitality & Tourism Studies
- Carpentry & Joinery
- Electrical Installation & Repair Works
- Plumbing & Pipefitting
- Refrigeration & Air-conditioning
- Block Laying & Concreting
- Fabrication & Welding
- Automotive Mechatronics / Motor Vehicle Mechanics
- Office Secretarial Assistant
- Agriculture
- Printing Technology
- Oil & Gas Facilities Engineering Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NBTE responsible for?
NBTE accredits and supervises Nigeria’s polytechnics, monotechnics, technical colleges, VEIs, IEIs, and modular skills providers. It also issues course standards, the National Vocational Certificate, and the National Skills Qualifications Framework.
Do I need JAMB UTME to attend a VEI?
Most VEIs do not require JAMB. The standard entry is at least five WAEC or NECO credits. A few VEIs may run their own admission test or interview.
How long is a VEI programme?
Most NVC programmes run 12–24 months depending on the trade. Some short modular tracks can be completed in three to six months.
Are VEI certificates recognised by employers?
Yes — the NVC is recognised under the National Skills Qualifications Framework. Many large employers and government agencies accept NVC graduates for technician-level roles.
How do I confirm a VEI is genuinely NBTE-accredited?
Check the official directory at web.nbte.gov.ng/tvet institutions. NBTE has stated that any list not from its official site is unofficial. Avoid paying tuition until you’ve confirmed a centre is on the live list.
What is the difference between a VEI, IEI, and MCP?
A VEI delivers full vocational programmes leading to the NVC. An IEI offers higher-level Innovation Diploma programmes that are more academic. An MCP runs short, single-skill modular courses.
Can a VEI graduate continue to a polytechnic or university?
Yes. NVC holders can progress to a polytechnic National Diploma programme or, with additional A-level/JAMB qualifications, to a degree.
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