Under the newly launched TVET programme, students in federal and state technical colleges will receive free tuition, meals, accommodation, and a ₦22,500 monthly stipend.
It’s a bold step by the Federal Government to arm young Nigerians with practical skills and open doors to employment in a rapidly changing economy.
For years, technical and vocational education in Nigeria remained in the shadows—overlooked in favour of traditional university paths.
But with Friday’s announcement in Abuja, that narrative is shifting, placing skills and self-reliance at the heart of national development.
Government Launches Major Support Package
Earlier this week, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the programme during the official launch of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative in Abuja last Friday.
Moreover, under the banner “Advancing Skills, Empowering the Future,” the programme aims to equip young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills that will accelerate the country’s shift towards a knowledge-based economy.
Addressing Education Gaps
Minister Alausa highlighted a pressing concern: of the 5.2 million students who graduate from secondary school annually, only about 1.8 million continue into tertiary education.
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As a result, this leaves more than 3.4 million young people without access to further learning, many of whom risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving job market.
Transforming Technical Education
“The TVET programme is a transformative intervention,” Alausa explained.
“It is designed to attract more young people to technical and vocational education, provide them with employable skills, and reposition our education system to better meet Nigeria’s economic needs.”
Ambitious Training Targets
Furthermore, the government sets an enormous ambition.
It plans to train over 7 million youths in a variety of talents and skills.
Moreover, after completing the programme, graduates will receive starter packs and gain access to affordable loans through a collaboration with the Bank of Industry.
This financial support empowers them to launch small businesses or confidently step into the workforce.
Investing In Infrastructure And Inclusion
To make this vision a reality, the government will invest billions of naira in upgrading infrastructure, developing training programmes, issuing certifications, and expanding internet connectivity—especially in underserved communities.
Further, Alausa emphasised the inclusive nature of the initiative.
“This is not just a policy announcement; it is a national commitment to unlocking the potential of young Nigerians and giving them the tools they need to succeed in a competitive global economy.”
TVET: Backbone of National Progress
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmed, echoed this sentiment and called TVET the “backbone of national progress.”
She stressed its far-reaching impact, from agriculture to engineering, stating, “The skills developed through TVET are not only technical; they embody hope, dignity, and the promise of a resilient Nigeria.”
Calls For Increased Support
Additionally, at the event, Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), urged the government to increase the student stipends to match the national minimum wage.
He described the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) as a crucial long-term investment in Nigeria’s human capital, which will position the country to become Africa’s leading economy.
