Federal Government has begun moves to engage retired teachers as tutors in the new Technical and Vocational Education Training programme, according to a memo issued by the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja.
The memo, signed by the Technology and Science Education department, confirmed that retired technical teachers will play key roles in teaching trade subjects and supporting quality assurance across approved centres. The plan aligns with the government’s ongoing effort to strengthen skill development, promote economic growth, and expand access to digital workforce opportunities.
The government had earlier launched a free TVET programme designed to help Nigerians gain practical skills while receiving a monthly stipend of N22,500 to ease transportation and training costs. The programme is jointly implemented by the Federal Government and the National Board for Technical Education, with accredited training centres established across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The memo stated: “Sequel to the launch of the New TVET Initiative by the Honourable Minister of Education, the Federal Ministry of Education is willing to engage the services of retired technical teachers to support the full implementation of the programme by teaching some of the critical trade subjects as STT or serving as IQAM in our TVET Institutions. This assignment recognises your decades of experience and specialised technical knowledge, which is essential for bridging critical knowledge gaps and ensuring the consistent application of high-quality standards across the TVET Institutions. Interested officers are therefore encouraged to contact the National Coordinator on 08033891762. We look forward to your positive response and invaluable contributions to raising the standard of technical education across the TVET Institutions.”
A major reform in the TVET curriculum now prioritises 80 per cent practical training and 20 per cent theory to ensure learners are job-ready and equipped with workplace-relevant skills that support employment growth. The initiative operates under three tracks: six-month Short-Term Skill Training Centres, twelve-month Vocational Enterprise Institutions, and a three-year Technical College Track.
Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, earlier said the Minister of Education is working to reposition TVET. He confirmed that the initiative was launched with about ₦70 billion, with ₦20 billion already released to support implementation.
Nigeria also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China to enhance vocational education through practical training partnerships. Progress so far includes updated curricula, revised occupational standards, the retraining of 3,600 instructors, and upgrades carried out across 38 Federal Technical Colleges.
The digital TVET platform has recorded 1.3 million applications, with 960,000 completed, while 1,600 accredited centres have been onboarded. A total of 58,000 students have been placed, with a target of up to 150,000. Additionally, 2,080 Quality Assurance Managers have been trained nationwide.
