FG’s TVET Programme: 250,000 Nigerians Receive Skills Training as Applications Hit 1.4 Million

The Federal Government has announced that approximately 250,000 Nigerians are currently participating in its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, an initiative designed to equip citizens with practical skills and improve employment opportunities across the country.

The announcement comes as applications for the programme reportedly reached nearly 1.4 million within two weeks, reflecting growing interest among Nigerians seeking opportunities to acquire professional skills, become self-employed and improve their financial situations.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed the figures during an engagement with the House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education.

According to the minister, the programme is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to address unemployment, reduce the country’s skills gap and encourage entrepreneurship through practical vocational education.

Government Targets Youth Unemployment Through Vocational Training

Nigeria continues to face challenges associated with unemployment and the shortage of skilled workers in several industries. Many young people graduate from educational institutions without acquiring the practical experience required by employers.

The TVET programme is intended to address this challenge by providing participants with hands-on training in different trades and technical professions.

Unlike conventional classroom education, the programme focuses on practical learning, allowing participants to develop skills they can use to secure employment or establish their own businesses.

The training is delivered through more than 1,200 accredited vocational centres across the country, providing opportunities for participants in different states.

₦30,000 Monthly Stipend for Participants

One of the major attractions of the Federal Government’s TVET programme is the financial support available to eligible trainees.

Participants receive a monthly stipend of ₦30,000 to support them during their training. Accredited training centres also receive ₦50,000 per trainee monthly to support the delivery of vocational education.

The government has introduced biometric attendance verification to ensure that participants actively attend their training sessions before payments are processed.

The Minister of Education explained that some payment delays experienced during the programme’s implementation were connected to the introduction of the biometric verification system.

However, he stated that the payment challenges had been resolved and payments were up to date as of September 2026.

Skills Available Under the TVET Programme

The programme covers several vocational and technical fields that can provide participants with opportunities in the Nigerian labour market.

Some of the available training areas include fashion design, electrical installation, automobile repairs, welding and fabrication, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning, computer repairs, solar installation, furniture making and digital media production.

Participants can also explore opportunities in agriculture, livestock farming, beauty therapy and other practical occupations.

These skills are considered important because they can help individuals become self-employed rather than depending entirely on government employment or traditional office jobs.

For example, someone who completes fashion design training can establish a tailoring business, while a participant trained in solar installation can provide services to households and businesses experiencing electricity challenges.

Government Plans Starter Packs for Graduates

The Federal Government has also indicated plans to support eligible graduates with starter packs and relevant working equipment after completing their training.

The initiative is designed to help participants put their newly acquired knowledge into practice instead of completing their training without the resources required to begin working.

Depending on their area of specialisation, graduates may receive tools and equipment relevant to their chosen professions.

The government is also working towards strengthening connections between trained participants and potential employers to improve employment opportunities.

How Nigerians Can Apply for the TVET Programme

Nigerians interested in participating in the programme can visit the Federal Government’s official TVET portal to check available training opportunities, application requirements and registration information.

The official website is www.tvet.education.gov.ng.

The programme provides different training pathways, including a six-month Short-Term Certificate programme and a one-year Vocational Education and Innovation programme.

Applicants are advised to use the official government portal and carefully follow the registration instructions.

As Nigeria continues to search for practical solutions to unemployment and economic hardship, the TVET programme represents an effort to equip citizens with skills that can create employment opportunities, support small businesses and contribute to national development.