The federal government has enrolled no fewer than 250,000 young Nigerians in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme across the country, with a target of reaching one million beneficiaries nationwide.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during his induction as a member of the Epe Club held in the Alausa area of Lagos State.
The ceremony was organised in honour of a political leader in the Epe Division, Shakiru Akanni, and brought together political stakeholders and traditional rulers from across the state.
Speaking at the event, Alausa, who served as Chairman of the ceremony, said the enrolment level reflected President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through practical skill development.
He said skill acquisition remains a key driver of national growth and economic sustainability, especially for young people seeking employment and self-reliance.
“Skill is the present and the future. We have changed the interest of our young citizens in skill development, and that is why, within the last 14 months, we have put a robust technical and vocational education training programme in place, and we’ve seen millions of young Nigerians coming in,” he said.
The minister said the government was steadily working toward achieving the one million enrolment target within the next two years.
“I am happy to report that we have the first squad of the one million target that we aim to train in the next two years. 250,000 are being trained now in a way that will equip them with practical skills, and when they are through, we will support them with a starter pack and low-interest loan,” he said.
Alausa also thanked the Epe Club for inducting him and commended the recognition given to Akanni, noting that the gesture would “reinforce positive social norms, and inspire future leaders” in nation-building.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, said Nigeria has continued to make progress under the current administration and urged citizens to ignore negative narratives.
Hamzat encouraged young Nigerians to focus on the positive side of the country and take advantage of opportunities that could support their growth.
He further urged young people to emulate the leadership qualities and community spirit of the honorary recipient.
Earlier, the President of the Epe Club, Olayemi Dada, said the club has continued to support indigent students and provide equipment to health centres within the division.
He said the celebration was meant to honour individuals who have contributed to the growth of the club and the Epe community while alive.
Dada explained that Akanni was chosen to recognise his commitment to community development, leadership and sacrifices toward younger generations.
The ceremony also featured fundraising for the proposed ultra-modern Epe Club building. The event attracted wide attendance.
