By Ngozi Nwankwo
In a bold step towards addressing challenges of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria, the Federal Government said it has put measures in place to reposition Technical and Vocational Education Training, TVET.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa disclosed this at a National Press Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training,TVET, held in Abuja, Friday.
Alausa who noted the importance of TVET in driving national economic development, fostering job creation, and addressing the growing skills gap in Nigeria, said the government has introduced a package of practical incentives such as tuition waivers, monthly stipends for learners, grants and single-digit loans in partnership with the Bank of Industry,BOI, and business start-up kits for graduates.
While saying that TVET initiative was only answer to tackle issues of unemployment and underemployment affecting the Nigerian youths, the Minister announced that students in technical colleges, federal and state, will now enjoy free tuition, accommodation, feeding and a monthly stipend of N22,500.
The Minister said the development was to make young people embrace TVET and to incentivise them to use the opportunity to acquire relevant skills that would help them gainfully employed and useful to society.
According to him, the government was ready to train no fewer than 5 million Nigerian youths with industry-relevant, entrepreneurial, and income-generating skills in years to come.
“Our national target is to train no fewer than five million Nigerian youths with industry-relevant, entrepreneurial, and income-generating skills by the year 2030. This is not a projection, it is a mission backed by strategic investments, implementation frameworks, and multisectoral partnerships.
“Based on comprehensive labour market analysis and consultations with sector leaders, we have identified 25 priority trade areas cutting across ICT, renewable energy, construction, agriculture, creative and automotive industries. These sectors represent the frontiers of economic growth and job creation,” he said
Emphasizing more on the incentive packages, Alausa said TVET initiative is designed to be inclusive, decentralised, and collaborative.
” We have already engaged State Governors, Commissioners of Education, Sector Skills Councils, regulatory agencies, employers, and development partners to build ownership at every level. Over 3,600 teachers and instructors have been retrained and upskilled, and we are scaling up the accreditation of both public and private TVET centres nationwide,” he said.
Alausa said that a dedicated TVET Delivery and Monitoring Unit is being established within the Ministry to coordinate, track, and report progress against defined key performance indicators, adding that it would be complemented by a results-based financing mechanism to reward states and institutions that deliver measurable outcomes.
“Our goal is not just to produce certified graduates but to build a skilled workforce that is globally competitive, entrepreneurial, and adaptable. This is the only way to bridge the skills gap, reduce youth unemployment, support local industries, and attract investments into the real economy,” he emphasised.
He, however, harped on the need for governments, stakeholders to partner for the transformativ agenda.
“I urge all Nigerians, Governments at all levels, private sector actors, donor agencies, civil society, and the media to see themselves as co-owners of this transformative agenda. Together, we must change the perception of TVET from an alternative to academic education, to a first-choice pathway to dignity, productivity, and national development.
“Let me end by reaffirming our unwavering commitment to leave no willing Nigerian behind. Every citizen deserves access to quality education and opportunities to succeed. The TVET Initiative is a vehicle to deliver on this promise.
“May this initiative thrive.May our youth rise. And may Nigeria flourish through the innovation, industry, and ingenuity of her people.”
Also, in her remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the TVET initiative as a bold leap forward for dreamers, builders, innovators, and problem-solvers who aspire to shape the nation with their hands, hearts, and minds.
“The skills developed through TVET are the foundation for a prosperous and resilient Nigeria. Through this initiative, we aim to turn quiet struggles into visible progress. This is not just about skills, it is about hope, dignity, and building the Nigeria we believe in,” said Suwaiba.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof Idris Bugaje, apologised for giving contradicting figure of the proposed stipend, while appealing to the federal government to increase the stipends from 23,500 to N70, 000 minimum wage.
