1.4 million Nigerians seek skills training in government program
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Nearly 1.4 million Nigerians applied for the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme in two weeks, while 250,000 people are currently undergoing skills training at over 1,200 centers across the country.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa shared these figures with the House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education, detailing the program’s enrollment, funding, and accountability.
The TVET program provides a monthly stipend of N30,000 to each trainee and N50,000 to each accredited training center to cover training costs. The government implemented biometric attendance verification to ensure funds align with participation, resolving initial payment delays by September. Alausa explained the program aims to equip graduates with starter packs and tools in trades like tailoring and electrical installation, enabling them to start businesses.
The government is also developing a TVET job portal to connect graduates with employers and is strengthening training infrastructure and instructor capabilities through programs like one with the Singapore Institute of Technical Education. Education is free at federal technical colleges and one state technical college per state, with the government covering all training costs. The minister encouraged lawmakers to visit training centers in their districts to monitor the program’s implementation and interact with participants.
He emphasized the TVET initiative is a long-term strategy for human capital development, intended to help Nigerians secure lasting employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
