Trainees under the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme have threatened to stage a nationwide protest over delays in the payment of their monthly N22,500 stipends.
Follow us on Google News
Nigeria Startup News reports that the development follows growing complaints from Cohort 1 beneficiaries, many of whom say they are owed between two and three months’ stipends. Several posts circulating across TVET community groups show rising frustration, with some trainees warning that failure to pay outstanding allowances could trigger coordinated protests.
One trainee wrote, “We all TVET trainees should prepare for protest this week, if our payment has no date to pay. Three months outstanding debt they owning.” Another added, “Hope I will not need protest… for my stipend to be paid? Nigeria!” Others questioned why there was cohort one graduation celebration despite unpaid months, asking, “Why not protest for the payment of the remaining two months? Why the jubilation.”
A notice also circulating online called for a “wide national protest against TVET, Federal Ministry of Education and Tinubu government” if stipends are not paid.
The Federal Government had made its most recent payment on April 8, 2026, covering the February stipend cycle. However, trainees argue that subsequent payments have not been received, leaving gaps in disbursement. While some beneficiaries report being owed two months, others claim arrears have reached three months.
The federal government has maintained that payment delays in some cases may be linked to failure by trainees to complete the mandatory monthly biometric verification, a requirement introduced to ensure only eligible participants receive stipends.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, recently stated during the Renewed Hope Conversations – University of Abuja Edition, held at the institution’s main campus now renamed Yakubu Gowon University, that the Federal Government had disbursed over N30 billion directly to TVET trainees nationwide.
Despite this, concerns persist among participants, especially as the nationwide TVET graduation ceremony for Cohort 1 has already been concluded without the rollout of promised startup grants, loans, and starter packs.
Nigeria Startup News reports that the situation is drawing more attention as preparations begin for Cohort 2 beneficiaries, who are expected to commence training soon.
