May 31st, 2025 – The Federal Government has launched a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
This national initiative is designed to provide hands-on skills to young Nigerians, preparing them for jobs in key sectors such as ICT, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the programme as a critical investment in Nigeria’s future.
“Technical skills built Germany’s economy 500 years ago, and they remain Europe’s industrial powerhouse. We can do the same in Nigeria,” Dr. Alausa said.
The programme features a structured three-year technical education track through federal and state-owned institutions. It also includes flexible 6-month and 12-month options for older individuals looking to upskill.
These training pathways are supported with industry-recognised certifications, including those from the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and other sectoral bodies. This model is expected to increase employability, self-reliance, and access to high-paying vocational careers.
To expand access and ensure quality, accredited private training centres and experienced artisans will also play a role.
Artisans mentoring trainees will receive a ₦30,000 monthly support per student, while trainees themselves will be paid ₦22,500 monthly. Upon completion, each graduate will receive a starter pack, allowing them to begin work immediately.
The Minister announced that the programme would be managed through NELFUND, with secure payment processing and real-time tracking powered by NIN verification and geofencing technology.
This aims to ensure transparency in attendance, fund usage, and performance, especially in grassroots areas where unemployment remains high.
“Our aim is not just to train but to transform. This is about building a skilled, self-sustaining, and entrepreneurial Nigeria,” Dr. Alausa added.
Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, the Minister of State for Education, emphasised the broader national impact of the initiative.
“From farmers to nurses, from technicians to engineers, skills are the foundation for a resilient Nigeria. Through this initiative, we aim to turn quiet struggles into visible progress. This is not just about training; it is about hope, dignity, and building the Nigeria we believe in,” she said.
She also introduced the upcoming Luminah 2030 programme, a major campaign targeting the empowerment of one million mothers and girls with practical skills. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on gender-inclusive development and economic empowerment.
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Comrade Ayodeji Olawande, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, praised the move as a “bold and timely step” in addressing youth unemployment and creating sustainable job opportunities. Representing the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Minister Simon Lalong confirmed the government’s readiness to align employment policies with vocational results from the TVET programme.
Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, praised the inclusive and community-driven rollout strategy, calling it key to long-term success. He added that this approach will ensure the TVET programme brings real economic change to both rural and urban communities.
Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), supported the decision to keep TVET within the Education Ministry, pointing to the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) as a vital tool for aligning training with actual labour market demand.
Sandra Aguebor, Nigeria’s first female mechanic, urged more focus on automotive training to address the growing demand in the auto sector. She encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of this opportunity to build rewarding careers in vocational industries.
The launch concluded with a joint pledge by stakeholders to support the TVET programme as a critical tool for job creation, national growth, and long-term economic recovery.
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