Empowering Nigerian Youths with Skills for Entrepreneurship and Employment
The Nigerian government has launched an extensive training program aimed at equipping 960,000 young Nigerians with practical skills through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Education. This flagship project focuses on fostering entrepreneurial abilities and generating employment opportunities nationwide by prioritizing hands-on learning.
During a recent visit to various training centers in Abuja, Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa emphasized how this program supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda. The initiative is designed to drive inclusive economic growth by emphasizing experiential education and entrepreneurship as key pillars for national development.
The first group of over 250,000 trainees is currently enrolled across 2,600 centers throughout the country. The Ministry has refined the curriculum, narrowing down from 86 trades to 28 essential sectors that are critical to Nigeria’s economic progress. These include fields such as graphic design, aquaculture, mobile device repair, electrical installation, tile laying, and contemporary farming methods. The training approach is heavily practical, with 90% of the instruction focused on real-world application and 10% on theory, ensuring participants acquire immediately usable skills.
More than 1.3 million applications were received via the national portal, with 960,000 candidates verified through their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to maintain integrity and prevent fraud. Payments to training providers are made directly to enhance transparency and minimize financial irregularities.
Each participant is granted a monthly allowance of ₦22,500, split into ₦17,500 for personal expenses and ₦5,000 for transportation. Training institutions receive ₦45,000 per trainee to cover instructional costs. Upon completion, graduates are provided with starter kits to help them launch their own small businesses.
Minister Alausa highlighted that the program’s goal is to nurture a generation of entrepreneurs equipped with market-ready skills and the ability to sustain their ventures. “We aim to transform these youths into successful business owners. This administration has meticulously designed the program to ensure its sustainability, and we are proud to have met our targets within the planned eight-month period,” he stated.
He praised President Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing technical and vocational education in Nigeria. “We have restored the importance of TVET alongside other educational pathways, rekindling hope for millions of Nigerian youths,” Alausa added.
Significantly, many participants are graduates from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education who now have the chance to acquire practical skills that enhance their employability and competitiveness on a global scale.
The minister assured that the program’s continuity is guaranteed through approved incremental funding for the coming years. Furthermore, the President has instructed the Bank of Industry to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to provide affordable loans to graduates, enabling them to apply their skills, create jobs, and contribute to national growth.
Alausa reaffirmed the government’s dedication to expanding the program nationwide, ensuring every skilled Nigerian youth becomes a catalyst for innovation and productivity. “Technical and vocational education is now a fundamental element of our national development strategy. This marks a significant milestone for Nigeria,” he concluded.
To secure long-term success, 5% of the TETFund budget has been allocated to TVET, while the Bank of Industry will offer low-interest financing options. Graduates will also benefit from grants and business starter packs to support the successful launch of their enterprises.