In an ambitious effort to train five million Nigerian youngsters in highly sought-after technical and vocational skills, the Federal Government has formally opened the TVET application portal. Young Nigerians who are eager to obtain practical experience in trades that can lead to employment and financial gain can now apply for free through the portal, which debuted on May 31, 2025.
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An overview of the TVET Opportunities
| 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) |
Applications Are Open for the FG TVET Training for 5 Million Nigerian Youths
At the official launch in Abuja, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa disclosed this, stating that the program is a fully supported plan with strategic funding, robust execution frameworks, and numerous collaborations, rather than merely another promise. The objective is straightforward: provide millions of young Nigerians with usable, contemporary skills that would enable them to launch their own enterprises.
The 25 trade areas that the TVET initiative is intended to operate in include:
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- Cloud computing
- Coding
- Data analytics
- Renewable energy
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Creative arts
- Automotive technology
These regions were chosen following extensive market research and consultations to determine the industries with the highest employment growth.
What Applicants Will Get
Anyone who enrolls in the program will gain access to:
- Free instruction and certification in the field of their choice
- After-graduation starter kits, like carpentry sets, plumbing kits, or electrician gear
- In collaboration with the Bank of Industry, soft loans and business assistance
- Mentoring from talented craftspeople who would get N30,000 a month for each student they guide
- Training at authorized facilities in several states, including technical colleges and private establishments
Additionally, Minister Alausa affirmed that the program will have a three-year timeline. Both federal and state universities will offer training, and credentials will be accepted 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.
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:
Demand More Assistance for Students
TVET should stay under the Ministry of Education and not be moved to Labor and Employment, according to National Board for Technical Education Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Bugaje, who spoke at the event. Additionally, he suggested giving students a minimum monthly stipend of N77,000, claiming that this would draw in more young people and keep them motivated.
Opprtunties for Women
Sandra Aguebor, Nigeria’s first female mechanic, also gave a speech on the occasion. She called on the government to increase the number of women in technical positions, particularly in manufacturing and the automobile industry. She emphasized the strength of women in trades and stated that her organization has previously taught over 6,000 female mechanics.
This isn’t your typical training course. It’s a comprehensive plan to lower poverty, provide jobs, and prepare Nigerian youth for the demands of a shifting global economy. The FG’s TVET program may be the lifeline that many young people have been waiting for, thanks to its free access, practical mentoring, and post-training resources.
The application is now available. Youths who are interested are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to guarantee their seat.
How to apply:
Interested applicants should apply via the NBTE Digital Portal here: https://www.digitalnbte.nbte.gov.ng/TVET/TVETApplication2
