The Federal Government has rolled out the training of nearly one million Nigerian youths under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, revealed this during an inspection of training centres in Abuja, including AFS Vocational Hub in Garki and Golden Finger Farms and Ranches Limited along the Kubwa–Zuba Expressway.
He described the scheme as a vital part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on equipping young Nigerians with practical, employable, and innovative skills.
According to Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, more than 250,000 trainees are currently participating in the first batch across 2,600 accredited centres nationwide.
The programme aims to turn Nigeria’s youth population into drivers of small- and medium-scale enterprises, thereby boosting economic growth.
Dr. Alausa explained that the ministry had refined its curriculum, cutting down from 86 trades to 28 priority sectors that directly impact the economy including fashion design, livestock farming, GSM repair, plumbing, and tiling.
He said the TVET model places greater emphasis on hands-on training, with a 90% practical and 10% theoretical structure.
“We designed this initiative to create entrepreneurs out of these students,” Alausa said.
“This government has worked meticulously to make it sustainable, and we are proud to have achieved our targets within the eight-month timeline we set.”
He noted that the programme had received an overwhelming 1.3 million applications, out of which 960,000 were verified through NIN and BVN checks to maintain transparency.
The government, he added, ensures funds are paid directly to training centres to curb financial misconduct and ensure accountability.
Each participant receives a monthly stipend of ₦22,500, broken into ₦17,500 for upkeep and ₦5,000 for transportation, while centres receive ₦45,000 per trainee to cover training costs.
Upon completion, successful trainees will get starter packs and grants to launch small businesses.
Dr. Alausa praised President Tinubu for reviving technical education, saying the government’s commitment has restored hope for millions of young people seeking sustainable careers.
“We have returned to the era when technical and vocational education coexists with other forms of learning, restoring hope for millions of Nigerian youths,” he added.
He also disclosed that many participants are graduates of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education who now have the chance to learn trades that will make them self-sufficient.
Furthermore, the Bank of Industry (BoI) has been directed to partner with the Education Ministry to provide affordable loans to graduates of the scheme.
“Beyond training, this initiative is about giving young Nigerians the opportunity to apply their skills, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Alausa stated.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the Federal Government has dedicated 5% of TET Fund’s annual budget to TVET.
In addition, graduates will be eligible for BoI single-digit loans and start-up grants to help them establish viable enterprises.
At the Fashion and Garment Making Centre, a trainee, Margaret Ogunsanya, said the initiative had transformed her perspective.
“Before this training, I didn’t know how to use an industrial sewing machine,” she said. “Now, I can cut, measure, and sew professionally. I’m already planning to start my own brand.”
Similarly, Henry Okonta, a participant at Golden Finger Farms, said he has gained hands-on farming experience.
“I applied online, and now I’m learning poultry and fish farming. The government’s promise of grants and equipment gives me confidence to start my own farm,” he shared.
Meanwhile, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to scaling up the programme nationwide.
