In a landmark move to transform Nigeria’s education landscape and catalyze economic development, the Federal Government has launched a comprehensive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian youth with practical, demand-driven skills.
The national launch ceremony, held in Abuja, was led by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad. Themed “Advancing Skills and Empowering the Future,” the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is designed to reposition TVET as a central pillar of national progress.
Dr. Alausa, addressing the audience, highlighted the importance of investing in human capital over natural resources.
“Our greatest resource is not beneath the ground. It is the energy, creativity, and talent of our people,” he said.
With over 70% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to convert this demographic strength into economic productivity.
The revamped TVET initiative features three flagship programmes:
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Master 6 – Six-month programme open to all NIN holders
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Master 12 – One-year programme for all NIN holders
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Technical College Track – A three-year programme for individuals aged 13–20
Each programme will comprise 80% practical and 20% theoretical learning, beginning in August 2025 across Vocational Enterprise Institutes (VEIs), Skills Training Centres (STCs), and Technical Colleges at federal and state levels. Training will be offered in 25 skill areas across the country.
Key features of the initiative include:
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Free tuition in public technical schools
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₦22,500 monthly stipends for trainees
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Access to starter packs and low-interest business loans
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National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certification through NABTEB and Sectoral Awarding Bodies
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Target to train five million youth by 2030
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Industry-driven, inclusive curriculum
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Digital skills acceleration and performance-based institutional incentives
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Robust monitoring and evaluation framework
Dr. Alausa called on public and private stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that the goal is to produce not just certified individuals, but a competent workforce equipped to drive Nigeria’s industrialisation.
In her remarks, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad described the launch as a “milestone in our shared journey to revitalise education and unlock national potential.” She previewed Luminah 2030, a parallel programme to train one million mothers and girls in life-changing skills.
“Even a chalkboard needs someone to write on it,” she quipped, in a call for collective action.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olumiyiwa Enitan, commended the Ministers’ collaborative leadership and affirmed that the initiative is “carefully designed to align with modern economic transformation strategies.”
Support for the programme was echoed by Ministers from other sectors, including Comrade Ayodeji Olawande (Youth Development) and Mr. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), who highlighted its significance in addressing unemployment.
Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), stressed the importance of the Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) in aligning training with industry needs.
During an interactive session, participants raised concerns about rural access and inclusion. Government officials assured attendees that a data-driven, equitable implementation strategy is in place to ensure no community is left behind.
The event concluded with a resounding commitment from all stakeholders to harness technical education as a tool for sustainable development and inclusive economic renewal.
Elijah Adeyemi
