Ever stared at your SS1 or SS2 subject selection form and felt a headache coming on?
You see the usual suspects: Maths, English, Biology. But then, there’s this other section. The trade subjects. You might be wondering, “Do I really need to learn how to fix a fridge to become a Doctor?”
Here is the honest truth: Yes, you do.
The Nigerian government, through the NERDC, introduced these subjects for a reason. They noticed that university graduates were roaming the streets with big certificates but empty pockets. The goal? To make sure you have a “side hustle” mentality before you even leave secondary school.
If you are preparing for WAEC or NECO, you must register for at least one.
But which one should you pick? Below, I’ve broken down the List of 26 tradepreneur subjects (actually, the curriculum has expanded slightly, but these are the core ones) to help you make a choice that won’t just get you an ‘A’, but could actually pay your bills in university.
Why Do We Even Have These Subjects?
Let’s be real for a second.
We all know the situation in the country. Jobs are scarce. Relying solely on your certificate is a risky game.
I always tell my students: Your degree gets you the interview, but your skill keeps you fed while you wait for the job.
These trade subjects are designed to give you that skill. Whether it’s fixing phones or baking cake, the idea is “entrepreneurship.” As we discussed in our article on why education is better than money, true education equips you for life, not just for an exam hall.
The Complete List of 26 Tradepreneur Subjects
I’ve grouped these into categories so you don’t get dizzy reading a long list. Most schools in Nigeria won’t offer all of them (that requires too much equipment), but they usually offer a mix.
1. Technology & Engineering Related These are for the tech-savvy students. If you like fiddling with gadgets, look here.
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Data Processing: (The most popular. It’s basically computer studies).
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GSM Phone Maintenance and Repair: (Huge money maker).
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Radio, TV, and Electronic Work: (Old school, but technicians are always needed).
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Auto Electrical Work.
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Auto Mechanical Work.
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Auto Parts Merchandising.
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Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: (In a hot country like Nigeria? This is a goldmine).
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Electrical Installation and Maintenance Work.
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Computer Studies/ICT.
2. Building & Construction If you prefer working with your hands and seeing physical results.
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Painting and Decorating.
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Plumbing and Pipe Fitting.
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Bricklaying, Block Laying, and Concrete Work.
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Carpentry and Joinery.
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Furniture Making.
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Upholstery.
3. Agriculture & Farming Don’t look down on these. Farmers are some of the richest people in this country.
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Fisheries.
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Animal Husbandry: (Poultry, goats, etc.).
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Crop Husbandry and Horticulture.
4. Hospitality, Fashion & Design These are skills you can start using from your hostel room in university.
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Catering and Craft Practice: (Baking, cooking).
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Garment Making: (Tailoring/Fashion design).
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Cosmetology: (Makeup, hair, skincare).
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Dyeing and Bleaching.
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Leather Goods Manufacturing and Repair: (Shoes and bags).
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Photography.
5. Business & Services
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Marketing/Salesmanship.
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Store Keeping.
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Book Keeping.
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Tourism.
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Office Practice.
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Printing Craft Practice.
You can confirm the specific syllabus for each of these on the official WAEC Nigeria website or check the NERDC curriculum page for updates.
How to Choose the Right One for YOU
This is where students mess up.
Please, I beg you, do not pick a subject just because your best friend Chinedu picked it. Chinedu might want to be an engineer, while you want to study Medicine. Why are you joining him to learn Auto Mechanics?
Here is a simple formula I use to help students choose from the List of 26 tradepreneur subjects:
1. Look at your environment Where do you live? If you stay in a place like Ikeja or Lekki, Photography or GSM Repair makes sense because people there spend money on gadgets and pictures. If you live in a more rural area with space, Animal Husbandry (Poultry) is a smarter bet.
2. Consider the “University Hustle” Think ahead. When you get admission into university (maybe one of the best universities in Nigeria for medicine), what skill can you do part-time?
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It is hard to do Bricklaying as a medical student.
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But Data Processing (typing/printing for students) or Catering (selling cupcakes in the hostel)? Easy cash flow.
3. What requires less reading? Be honest with your academic strength. If you are already struggling with Physics and Chemistry, don’t go and add Radio and TV Electronics which involves complex calculations. Pick something practical like Dyeing and Bleaching. It’s fun, practical, and less “book work.”
You need time to focus on your main subjects, so you need effective study habits to balance the trade subject with your core science or art subjects.
My Top 3 Recommendations
If you are still confused and just want a “Cool Tutor” recommendation, here are my top 3 picks from the List of 26 tradepreneur subjects that have high profit potential in Nigeria right now:
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GSM Maintenance: Everyone has a phone. Phones spoil every day. If you know how to fix screens and charging ports, you will never be broke.
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Photography: With the rise of Instagram and TikTok, everyone wants high-quality pictures for their birthdays and events.
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Data Processing: It sounds boring, but the world is digital. Knowing how to use Excel, CorelDraw, or just type fast is a skill that makes you employable in any office.
Wrapping It Up
Don’t see these trade subjects as a burden or “extra wahala.” See them as a backup plan.
The exam questions for these subjects are usually not as hard as your core Mathematics or English. If you pay just a little attention in class, you can easily score an A1.
So, go through the List of 26 tradepreneur subjects again. Pick one that sparks a little interest in you. Who knows? That “school subject” might be the business that buys your first car.
Which trade subject are you thinking of choosing? Or which one did you write in WAEC? Tell me in the comments, let’s discuss!
