The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive support package for students in federal and state technical colleges. The initiative, which falls under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, includes free tuition, feeding, accommodation, and a monthly stipend of ₦22,500 for each student.
The announcement was made by Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, during the official launch of the TVET initiative on Friday in Abuja. Themed “Advancing Skills, Empowering the Future,” the programme is aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with practical, industry-relevant skills to boost the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
Alausa expressed concern over the gap in tertiary education access, noting that out of the 5.2 million students graduating from secondary schools each year, only about 1.8 million proceed to tertiary institutions, leaving over 3.4 million behind.
“The TVET programme is a transformative intervention designed to attract more young people to technical and vocational education, provide them with skills for employability, and reposition the education system to meet the needs of the Nigerian economy,” the Minister said.
As part of the initiative, the government plans to train over 7 million youths in various talents and skills. Upon completion, beneficiaries will receive starter packs and have access to single-digit loans through a partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), enabling them to start small businesses or enter the job market with confidence.
He added that the government also plans to invest billions of naira in infrastructure, training, certification, and internet access particularly targeting underserved communities to ensure widespread participation and inclusivity.
“This is not just a policy announcement; it’s a national commitment to unlocking the potential of young Nigerians and providing them with tools to thrive in a competitive global economy,” Alausa stated.
Suwaiba Ahmed, Minister of State for Education, described TVET as the “backbone of national progress,” stressing its ability to transform lives across professions from agriculture to engineering.
“The skills developed through TVET are not only technical; they embody hope, dignity, and the promise of a resilient Nigeria,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Idris Bugaje the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), urged the federal government to consider increasing the student stipends to reflect the national minimum wage.
He emphasised that the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) is a long-term investment in Nigeria’s human capital and a vital step toward becoming Africa’s leading economy.
He explained that the TVET initiative signals a significant shift in the country’s approach to education and youth empowerment, offering a lifeline to millions who are otherwise left behind in the conventional academic system.
