The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has announced new data on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, showing how young Nigerians are turning to skills acquisition for better opportunities.
The program, which follows the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is aimed at supporting the shift from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy.
Minister of State for Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the initiative is part of a clear plan to build a stronger workforce. “TVET is the number one point on the NESRI 6-Point Agenda. We are excited to see Nigerian youth seizing this opportunity to gain life-changing skills.”
The ministry confirmed that a total of 1,329,250 applications were started across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 963,496 completed. Kaduna recorded the highest number of applicants at 90,059, while Edo had the lowest with 4,902.
Top 5 states by number of applications
a. Kaduna – 90,059
b. Kano – 68,659
c. Yobe – 62,903
d. Katsina – 55,023
e. Gombe – 44,618
1. Abia – 10,089
2. Abuja Federal Capital Territory – 17,990
3. Adamawa – 40,055
4. Akwa Ibom – 36,157
5. Anambra – 11,528
6. Bauchi – 35,115
7. Bayelsa – 8,325
8. Benue – 29,301
9. Borno – 42,847
10. Cross River – 7,293
11. Delta – 8,406
12. Ebonyi – 8,207
13. Edo – 4,902
14. Ekiti – 8,218
15. Enugu – 8,280
16. Gombe – 44,618
17. Imo – 8,537
18. Jigawa – 36,891
19. Kaduna – 90,059
20. Kano – 68,659
21. Katsina – 55,023
22. Kebbi – 33,221
23. Kogi – 15,502
24. Kwara – 14,293
25. Lagos – 15,850
26. Nassarawa – 32,275
27. Niger – 28,132
28. Ogun – 10,728
29. Ondo – 11,741
30. Osun – 11,817
31. Oyo – 23,249
32. Plateau – 22,782
33. Rivers – 12,759
34. Sokoto – 30,274
35. Taraba – 31,296
36. Yobe – 62,903
37. Zamfara – 26,174
The summary of applications by skill also revealed the interests of participants. Fashion Design and Garment Making led with 211,179 applications, followed closely by Livestock Farming with 210,825.
Computer Hardware and GSM Repair & Maintenance attracted 95,922 applicants, showing the demand for technology-related training.
i. Fashion Design & Garment Making – 211,179
ii. Livestock Farming (Bee Keeping, Poultry & Animal Husbandry) – 210,825
iii. Computer Hardware & GSM Repair & Maintenance – 95,922
iv. Solar PV Installation & Maintenance – 72,049
v. Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology – 47,512
vi. Social Media Communications – 38,909
vii. Painting, Decoration & Finishes (Interior Design) – 35,864
viii. Electrical Installation – 35,298
ix. Network System Installation – 35,030
x. Hospitality Training – 34,090
xi. Creative Media (Digital Media Production) – 27,491
xii. Other (Option to Suggest Skill) – 24,581
xiii. Welding & Fabrication – 22,559
xiv. Mechanised Agriculture (Mechanics or Operations) – 22,220
xv. Plumbing & Pipe-fitting – 12,712
xvi. Woodwork, Carpentry & Joinery – 9,597
xvii. Furniture Making & Upholstery – 9,346
xviii. Motorcycle & Tricycle Repair – 9,148
xix. Automobile Mechanic – 8,749
xx. Brick laying, Blocklaying & Concreting – 7,658
xxi. Automobile CNG Conversion & Maintenance – 6,897
xxii. Floor Cladding, Tiling & Interlocking – 6,787
xxiii. Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning – 5,336
xxiv. Vulcanising & Tire Repair – 1,562
xxv. Auto-body Works (Panel Beating) – 1,072
xxvi. Blacksmithing – 862
Meanwhile, student allocations to training centres will begin once all accredited centres have signed the TVET Initiative contract and created their profiles to receive students.