Parents have raised alarm over the government’s limiting of the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Yaba, to Catering Craft Practice in the forthcoming 2025/2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), describing it as a setback.

The concerned parents and students expressed concerns that such a directive is discouraging to innovation and could reduce students’ competitiveness. Besides, they said it is against the federal government’s broader agenda to promote STEM and skills-based learning.

Recently, the management of FSTC announced the restriction of students to only Catering Craft Practice for the forthcoming 2025/2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Before this policy shift, FSTC Yaba offered over 20 WAEC-approved trade subjects, including Electrical Installation, Computer Craft, Painting and Decoration, Data Processing, and Garment Making.

These subjects formed the backbone of the college’s technical and vocational curriculum, equipping students with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge.

The new development is causing anxiety among parents, who are worried it will jeopardise their children’s career dreams.

Besides, according to one of the parents, trade subjects, introduced by WAEC to strengthen vocational and technical education, are geared towards exposing students to diverse practical skills and career options.

Many students, especially those not offering Catering Craft Practice at FSTC Yaba, face an uncertain academic future, as their dreams hang in the balance.

Concerned parents have addressed a letter to Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, seeking the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Education and WAEC to suspend the policy for the ongoing academic session and allow current SS3 and SS2 students to complete their studies under the existing structure. (BusinessDay)