In a major move to tackle youth unemployment and boost hands-on skills in Nigeria, the Federal Government has opened the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) portal. The application window started on May 31, 2025, offering free training, certification, N30,000 monthly artisan incentives, and starter kits for graduates. Over five million Nigerian youths are targeted under this bold new initiative.
This is not just another promise—it’s a structured and well-funded program aimed at providing real skills, real tools, and real opportunities.
Summary of TVET Opportunity
| Key Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | TVET (Technical and Vocational Education & Training) |
| Target | 5 million Nigerian youths |
| Application Start Date | May 31, 2025 |
| Training Type | Free, certified, practical skills |
| Training Fields | ICT, Energy, Construction, Agriculture, Auto, Arts |
| Support Available | Starter kits, soft loans, stipends |
| Artisan Incentive | N30,000 per student per month |
| Supervising Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Student Verification | Geofencing, NIN, and NELFUND systems |
| Proposed Student Stipend | N77,000/month (under discussion) |
Massive Skill Drive Begins: Application Open
At the launch event in Abuja, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa explained that this isn’t just another paper plan. It’s a working system with proper funding and partnerships to help youths become job-ready. The program will train candidates across 25 in-demand trade areas, including:
- Cloud computing
- Coding and data science
- Renewable energy
- Building construction
- Farming and agribusiness
- Auto mechanics
- Creative arts and design
The idea is to help young people learn modern skills that are needed both in Nigeria and abroad.
What Applicants Will Get
Once selected, beneficiaries will enjoy:
- Totally free training with government-approved certificates
- Starter kits such as tools for electricians, laptops for coders, or farming gear
- Access to small loans to start their own business after graduation
- Monthly pay for trainers who guide the students (N30,000 per trainee)
- Mentorship and support, even after training ends
- Flexible training centres located in private institutions, technical colleges, and public spaces
The training will be spread over three years, and each participant will leave with a certificate that is recognized across the country.
Full Monitoring and Transparency Assured
To ensure that no one abuses the system, the government will use geofencing technology and NIN verification to monitor student attendance and performance.
All stipends and operational funds will be paid through the NELFUND platform, which has already been used to manage other government funding programs.
Global Best Practice, Nigerian Focus
Alausa stressed that this move follows the path of successful economies like Germany, China, South Korea, and Singapore, where technical skills have powered industrial growth. He explained:
“This is not a reinvention. We’re simply building what the world’s most productive economies already built decades ago. If it worked for them, it can work for Nigeria.”
Call for Higher Student Support
At the launch, Prof. Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, said TVET should remain under the Ministry of Education and not be transferred to Labour and Employment. He also proposed a minimum monthly stipend of N77,000 for students, saying it would attract more youths and help them stay focused.
Women’s Role Highlighted
Nigeria’s first female mechanic, Sandra Aguebor, also spoke at the event. She urged the government to bring more women into technical roles, especially in automotive and manufacturing. She said her organisation has already trained over 6,000 female mechanics and stressed the power of women in trades.
This is not just another training program. It’s a full-scale plan to create jobs, reduce poverty, and equip Nigerian youths for the demands of a changing global economy. With free access, hands-on mentorship, and post-training tools, the FG’s TVET initiative could be the lifeline many young people have been waiting for.
Application is now open. Interested youths are advised to apply early and secure their spot.