Nigeria is charting a new course in youth empowerment and job creation as the Federal Government kicks off a large-scale Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative — a skills revolution designed to turn young Nigerians from job seekers into business owners.
The ambitious programme, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Education, targets nearly one million participants across 2,600 training centres nationwide. Already, 250,000 youths have begun hands-on training in the first phase, according to Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who made the announcement during an inspection tour of AFS Vocational Hub in Garki and Golden Finger Farms and Ranches Limited along the Kubwa–Zuba Expressway, Abuja.
“This initiative is not about certificates; it’s about competence. We are raising a generation of creators, not job seekers,” Dr. Alausa said.
A Practical Path to the Renewed Hope Agenda
A cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the TVET initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with employable and entrepreneurial skills essential for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Dr. Alausa revealed that the Ministry streamlined training focus areas from 86 trades to 28 priority sectors that directly impact Nigeria’s economy — including fashion design, modern farming, plumbing, livestock production, GSM repair, and tiling.
The programme’s structure ensures a 90% practical and 10% theoretical approach, guaranteeing that participants graduate with the confidence and competence to build businesses from day one.
Massive Turnout, Transparent Process
Interest in the initiative has been overwhelming. The national TVET portal received over 1.3 million applications, out of which 960,000 candidates were verified through NIN and BVN, ensuring transparency and data integrity.
To curb misuse of funds, the Ministry has implemented direct payments to accredited training centres. Each trainee receives a monthly stipend of ₦22,500 — ₦17,500 for upkeep and ₦5,000 for transportation — while centres receive ₦45,000 per participant to cover instructional costs.
Graduates will also receive starter packs tailored to their trade, enabling them to launch small-scale enterprises immediately after completion.
“We have achieved all our implementation milestones within eight months,” the Minister noted. “This government is building a model that guarantees sustainability and long-term impact.”
A New Era for Technical Education
Dr. Alausa commended President Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as “the driving force that restored dignity to technical and vocational education.” He emphasised that the initiative has reignited a culture where hands-on skills are as respected as academic degrees.
Many participants, he said, are university, polytechnic, and college graduates seeking practical skills that make them globally competitive and self-reliant.
Financing the Future
To ensure continuity, 5% of TETFund’s budget has been earmarked for TVET development. The Bank of Industry (BoI) has also been directed to provide single-digit loans and grants to graduates of the programme.
“Beyond training, this initiative is about access — access to capital, to tools, and to a sustainable livelihood,” Dr. Alausa explained.
He added that the Federal Government has built sustainability into the design, with annual incremental funding already approved to expand reach and impact nationwide.
Voices of Transformation
At the Fashion and Garment Making Centre, trainee Margaret Ogunsanya shared her story:
“Before this training, I couldn’t use an industrial sewing machine. Now, I can cut, measure, and sew professionally. I’m already planning to start my own brand.”
At Golden Finger Farms and Ranches Limited, participant Henry Okonta echoed the same enthusiasm:
“I applied online and got selected for poultry and fish farming. Learning hands-on and knowing we’ll get grants and equipment gives me the confidence to start my own business.”
Youth at the Heart of National Growth
With the TVET initiative now fully operational, Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward solving one of its biggest challenges — youth unemployment — through innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical education.
“Technical and vocational education now sits at the heart of Nigeria’s development strategy,” Dr. Alausa concluded. “This is not just a programme — it’s a movement toward a future where every young Nigerian can create, build, and lead.”
