The Federal Government has praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the state after about 3,000 trainees successfully graduated from government-supported vocational training centres.
The trainees completed various technical and vocational programmes across nine Vocational Enterprise Institutes and Centres in Borno State. After finishing their training, each graduate received tools relevant to their trade as well as a ₦100,000 entrepreneurship grant to help them start small businesses.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, commended the initiative, describing it as an important step in equipping young Nigerians with practical and employable skills.
He said the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s wider effort to strengthen skills development and reduce unemployment among young people.
“This initiative is a significant step toward empowering young Nigerians with practical and employable skills,” Alausa said.
He noted that giving the trainees starter packs and financial support would help them move quickly into productive economic activities.
According to the minister, the programme also reflects the Federal Government’s increasing focus on vocational and technical education under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He explained that the national TVET programme currently being implemented across the country is designed to expand access to practical training and entrepreneurship opportunities.
“The Federal Government is currently implementing a nationwide Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme aimed at expanding access to practical skills across the country,” he said.
Alausa added that the programme already provides about 250,000 training opportunities nationwide, with more than 180,000 young Nigerians currently undergoing training in thousands of centres across the country.
He explained that the training model focuses mainly on practical learning to ensure that trainees gain real work skills.
“The model emphasises hands-on learning, with about 80 percent practical training and 20 percent theoretical instruction,” the minister said.
The Federal Government is also developing a national TVET job portal that will help connect trained artisans and technicians with industries while supporting graduates who want to start their own businesses.
“The job portal will connect skilled graduates with industries while also supporting artisans with starter packs and access to single-digit loans to establish businesses,” Alausa added.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum described the programme as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to empower young people and rebuild communities affected by years of insurgency.
“This programme represents a major step in empowering our youths and restoring livelihoods across communities that were affected by insurgency,” Zulum said.
He noted that the state government had invested heavily in technical training facilities to ensure that more young people gain skills that can support economic independence.
According to the governor, the state established and revitalised several vocational centres in communities including Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri.
He also revealed that the government created Second Chance Skills Entrepreneurship Schools designed specifically to support women and girls who want to learn vocational skills.
Zulum disclosed that the state invested about ₦30 billion in TVET infrastructure and mobilised more than ₦2.05 billion with development partners to support the training programme.
Each beneficiary who completed the programme received tools for their trade and a ₦100,000 startup grant to help them begin their businesses.
