FG Pays N3.41bn to 73,000 TVET Trainees

The Nigerian federal government has paid out N3.41 billion in training stipends to 73,000 young Nigerians enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training programs. The government says the funds are part of a wider plan to build a skilled workforce and reduce unemployment.

The Ministry of Education confirmed the disbursement on Wednesday. Officials say the stipends cover trainees in areas such as welding, electrical work, fashion design, plumbing, and digital skills. Each trainee received a monthly allowance to support their learning and reduce financial pressure.

Minister of Education Tunji Alausa said the government is committed to making technical education a real path to economic independence. “We want young Nigerians to see TVET as a first choice, not a last resort. Skills are the new currency in today’s economy,” Alausa said.

Nigeria faces a significant youth unemployment crisis. The National Bureau of Statistics estimates that millions of young Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 34 are without jobs or are underemployed. Experts say the country’s education system has not produced enough graduates with the practical skills employers need.

The TVET initiative is one of the federal government’s flagship programs under the Tinubu administration. Officials say the program has enrolled over 200,000 young people since it launched in 2024. The government plans to expand enrollment to 500,000 trainees by the end of 2026.

In addition to the stipend, trainees receive tools, materials, and mentorship from industry partners. Some graduates have already been placed with companies or have started their own small businesses, officials said.

Education stakeholders praised the stipend payment but urged the government to ensure quality control across training centers. Some critics have raised concerns about the quality of instruction in certain centers and the need for proper certification that employers recognize.

The World Bank and several development partners have supported Nigeria’s TVET expansion. Officials say more funding partnerships are being pursued to sustain and scale the program in the coming years.

The government plans to announce the next batch of TVET enrollees before the end of May 2026.