FG to Train One Million Nigerian Youths Under TVET Programme for Entrepreneurship and National Development

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an ambitious initiative to train nearly one million Nigerian youths through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Education, aims to produce a new generation of skilled entrepreneurs capable of driving national development rather than depending on salaried employment.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the AFS Vocational Hub in Garki and Golden Finger Farms and Ranches Limited along the Kubwa–Zuba Expressway in Abuja.

According to a statement by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, more than 250,000 young Nigerians are already participating in the first phase of the programme across 2,600 accredited training centres nationwide.

Dr. Alausa explained that the TVET scheme is a critical component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focused on empowering Nigerian youths with employable and entrepreneurial skills to stimulate economic growth and innovation.

Building Entrepreneurs, Not Job Seekers

The Minister revealed that the Ministry of Education had streamlined its focus areas from 86 vocational trades to 28 priority skill sectors that are vital to Nigeria’s economy. These sectors include fashion design, livestock production, plumbing, GSM repair, tiling, and modern agriculture.

He further stated that the TVET curriculum is 90 percent practical and 10 percent theoretical, ensuring participants gain valuable hands-on experience that can immediately translate into profitable ventures.

When the national application portal opened, the programme recorded over 1.3 million applications, out of which 960,000 were verified through the National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to maintain transparency and eliminate fraudulent entries.

To ensure accountability, training centres are funded directly, removing all middlemen and promoting transparency in fund utilization.

Financial Support for Participants

Each trainee enrolled under the TVET programme receives a monthly stipend of ₦22,500, broken down into ₦17,500 for personal upkeep and ₦5,000 for transportation.

Training centres also receive ₦45,000 per participant to facilitate instruction and logistics. Upon graduation, beneficiaries will be provided with starter packs and business support kits to help them establish micro and small-scale enterprises.

Dr. Alausa stated, “This initiative was designed to turn Nigerian youths into entrepreneurs. The programme has been carefully structured to ensure sustainability, and we are proud to have achieved our set targets within eight months.”

Commitment to Sustainable Youth Empowerment

The Minister applauded President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering leadership and political will in revitalizing technical and vocational education in Nigeria. He emphasized that the government has now restored TVET to its rightful position as a cornerstone of national development.

He revealed that a significant number of participants are graduates from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education who are now acquiring practical skills that will make them self-reliant and globally competitive.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the Federal Government has approved annual incremental funding for the programme. In addition, President Tinubu has directed the Bank of Industry (BoI) to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to provide single-digit loans and business grants to graduates of the scheme.

According to Dr. Alausa, the partnership with the BoI will help trainees access affordable capital, expand their enterprises, and create more jobs across local communities.

TVET: Driving National Growth and Innovation

Dr. Alausa reaffirmed that technical and vocational education now sits at the centre of Nigeria’s development strategy, ensuring that every trained youth contributes meaningfully to the nation’s productivity.

He also announced that 5% of TETFund’s annual budget has been allocated to TVET to ensure continuous funding and nationwide expansion of the programme.

The Minister concluded, “Technical and vocational education has become a vital instrument for national progress. This marks a new beginning for millions of Nigerian youths seeking to change their future through practical skills.”

Trainees Share Their Experiences

At the Fashion and Garment Making Centre, trainee Margaret Ogunsanya expressed gratitude to the government for the life-changing opportunity, saying:

“Before this training, I didn’t know how to use an industrial sewing machine. Now, I can design, measure, and sew professionally. I’m already planning to start my own brand.”

Another participant, Henry Okonta, undergoing training at Golden Finger Farms and Ranches Limited, shared his excitement:

“I applied online and was selected for the poultry and fish farming course. With the hands-on training and promised starter pack, I’m confident I can start my own agribusiness.”

The TVET initiative represents a landmark step by the Federal Government toward building an inclusive and self-reliant economy driven by skilled, innovative, and entrepreneurial Nigerian youths.

With structured training, financial backing, and post-graduation business support, the programme is set to transform Nigeria’s labour market and empower a new generation of job creators.