Trainees of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme have raised concerns online over the running of the scheme, even as payments continue and new candidates are being approved.
A message circulating online from some trainees points to poor coordination, weak communication, lack of training materials and unfulfilled promises, including delays in stipend payments.
The concerns follow the Federal Ministry of Education’s introduction of a biometric attendance system in February 2026. Under the new rule, trainees must verify their attendance electronically before they can receive the ₦22,500 monthly stipend.
The ministry made it clear that biometric verification is now compulsory. Any trainee linked to a centre that fails to comply risks not being paid, while such centres could be removed from the programme.
Meanwhile, some newly approved trainees cannot select training centres on the portal, raising questions about whether there are enough centres to match the number of participants.
The programme itself is expanding quickly. Over 250,000 trainees are currently enrolled across about 1,872 centres nationwide, and more are still being added. However, this rapid growth appears to be putting pressure on the system.
On stipends, payments are still ongoing. Trainees who completed their biometric registration and met attendance requirements began receiving the ₦22,500 in February 2026. However, some participants say they are still being owed.
There has also been confusion over the stipend amount following the recent increase in fuel prices and transport costs. Unfortunately, claims that the stipend has been increased to ₦30,000 due to fuel costs are false. The official payment remains ₦22,500, which is meant to serve as support, not a full salary.
Many trainees say the amount is no longer enough, especially with rising transport costs. The stricter biometric system has also made it harder for some participants to meet the conditions required for payment.
The government insists the new measures are necessary to prevent fraud and ensure only active trainees are paid.
However, what is happening tells a different story. While trainees are being approved and funds are being released, access to training and smooth participation is still a challenge.
With the programme continuing to expand, attention is now shifting to whether the system can handle the growing numbers. Issues like centre availability, communication gaps and delayed payments may need urgent attention to keep the programme on track.
