The Federal Government has commended the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, for strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the state, following the graduation of about 3,000 trainees from nine Vocational Enterprise Institutes and Centres.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a major milestone in equipping young Nigerians with practical and employable skills. He noted that the graduates received starter packs for their various trades as well as a ₦100,000 entrepreneurship grant to help them launch productive economic activities.
Dr. Alausa said the initiative reflects the growing national focus on skills development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises youth empowerment, job creation and economic inclusion.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government is currently implementing a nationwide TVET programme aimed at expanding access to practical skills across the country. He explained that the programme is providing about 250,000 training opportunities, with more than 180,000 young Nigerians already undergoing training in thousands of centres nationwide.
“The training model emphasises practical competence,” he said, noting that the curriculum consists of 80 percent hands-on training and 20 percent theoretical instruction to ensure graduates are fully prepared for the workforce.
Dr. Alausa also disclosed that the Federal Government is developing a national TVET job portal to connect skilled graduates with industries and employment opportunities. The platform will also support artisans with starter packs and access to single-digit loans to help them establish and grow small businesses.
He encouraged other state governments to emulate the progress recorded in Borno State, stressing that technical and vocational skills are critical to the future of work and national development.
The commendation follows a graduation ceremony held in Borno State where trainees successfully completed their training across nine Vocational Enterprise Institutes and Centres and were provided with tools and starter packs to support their transition into entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the event, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum described the programme as a significant step in the state government’s efforts to empower young people and rebuild livelihoods affected by years of insurgency.
He explained that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to restore dignity and create sustainable economic opportunities for youth and vulnerable groups across the state.
Governor Zulum highlighted the establishment and revitalisation of vocational centres in communities including Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani, and Magumeri, alongside the establishment of Second Chance Skills Entrepreneurship Schools for women and girls.
He further disclosed that the state government invested about ₦30 billion in TVET facilities and mobilised over ₦2.05 billion in partnership with organisations including the National Board for Technical Education, United Nations Development Programme, Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, and the International Organization for Migration to provide starter packs and enterprise support. Each beneficiary also received a ₦100,000 startup grant.
The Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce while reducing the number of out-of-school youths and promoting self-reliance through practical skills development.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with state governments and development partners to expand access to technical and vocational education nationwide, noting that sustained investment in skills development remains critical to youth empowerment and Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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