The Federal Ministry of Education Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) portal is now open. This nationwide programme is designed to help Nigerians under 35 years old, especially school leavers, job seekers, and artisans, get hands-on skills that can lead to employment or self-employment. This is a major opportunity for young Nigerians to gain industry-relevant skills and get paid by the federal government.
The initiative provides tuition-free training, monthly stipends, and start-up support in various high-demand trades across the country. According to the Ministry, all trainees will receive monthly stipends of N22,500, while mentors guiding the trainees will be paid N30,000 per month per student. The tuition costs are covered entirely by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund).
Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, said, “This initiative is a bold step to empower Nigeria’s youth and support national economic growth through skill acquisition.”
The programme has two learning options:
Short-Term Certificate (STC) Programme – This track lasts 6 months and is for people with little or no education who want to quickly learn a skill and start working. Applicants only need a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to apply. No previous education is required.
Vocational Education & Innovation (VEI) Programme – This 1-year course is for applicants who already have some basic education or have learned informally. To apply, you need one of the following:
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC)
- Or any certificate from non-formal education, such as community or religious training.
Both programmes offer in-depth training and include recognized certification upon completion, which is accepted by employers across Nigeria.
Participants can choose from a wide range of in-demand skills including Automobile mechanic, Solar PV installation, Refrigeration and air-conditioning, Network system installation, GSM phone and computer repair, Fashion design and beauty therapy, Social media communication, Mechanised agriculture and livestock farming, Carpentry, welding, plumbing, painting, and more.
Training is available in all six geopolitical zones, using certified Federal and State technical colleges, as well as private vocational centres. This allows applicants to pick a centre close to them, and reduce travel and housing costs.
Beyond technical instruction, the TVET Initiative provides full support to help trainees launch careers or start businesses after graduation. These include:
- Take-off grants in the form of starter packs
- Business loans at single-digit interest rates
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals
“The goal is not just to train but to create a full pipeline from learning to earning,” the Ministry stated.
How to Apply
Applications are open now. To apply, interested candidates should visit the official TVET portal at https://www.tvet.education.gov.ng/signup/ and create an account. Choose either the STC or VEI programme, fill in your personal details, upload required documents, select a training centre and trade, and SUBMIT and wait for confirmation.
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