The federal government has announced plans to provide starter packs to graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to promote skills development and enhance youth employability in Nigeria.
Deputy Minister of Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection visit to Bayero University, Kano, where she assessed ongoing vocational training initiatives supported by the ministry. She explained that the initiative was designed to ensure that beneficiaries of the TVET programme become self-reliant, job creators, and active contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth.
According to her, the provision of starter packs will complement the Federal Government’s drive to reduce unemployment and close the persistent skills gap across the country. “The administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to strengthening technical and vocational education because it remains a critical pathway to empowering young Nigerians. Providing starter packs will enable our youths to put their training into practical use immediately,” she said.
Ahmad commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the programme, which covers about 25 vocational trades, including carpentry, leatherwork, tailoring, ICT skills, cosmetology, welding, solar installation, and other technical areas. She urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to reducing youth unemployment, promoting self-sufficiency, and supporting economic growth.
The deputy minister also praised Bayero University, Kano, for its dedication to implementing the programme. She noted that the ministry would continue to partner with institutions that promote innovation, productivity, and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Haruna Musa, described the programme as timely, stating that it would address the country’s challenges of low employability, reduced productivity, and slow economic growth caused by inadequate skills among young people. He said the programme was designed to equip young Nigerians with practical and entrepreneurial skills that would boost job creation, innovation, and national development.
Musa encouraged participants to take the training seriously and transform themselves into agents of positive change within their communities.
