The Federal Government has kicked off a nationwide training programme aimed at equipping over 260,000 youths with various vocational and self-reliance skills under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this on Thursday during a visit to some of the training centres in Abuja. According to him, the programme is designed to eventually train over 900,000 young Nigerians in multiple phases, providing them with practical skills for self-employment and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
> “We have more than 2,600 training centres across the country. This first phase will train 260,000 participants, and subsequent phases will move us closer to our goal of training 960,000 youths,” Dr. Alausa stated.
The Minister explained that the programme is running in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Participants will receive start-up kits and financial support upon completing their training, enabling them to launch small businesses and become economically independent.
He emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to revitalize vocational education and strengthen TVET as a key pillar of Nigeria’s educational framework. Additionally, the President has approved 5% of the annual TETFund budget to support the sustainability and expansion of TVET across the country.
Launched in June 2025, the TVET programme forms part of broader government efforts to promote vocational education and improve youth employability. Training spans six to twelve months, depending on the area of specialization, and covers sectors such as animal husbandry, aquaculture, pottery, and other vocational crafts.
Currently, the programme is active in over 2,600 centres nationwide, bringing practical skills and entrepreneurial opportunities closer to young Nigerians.
