Enrollment rate for Nigeria’s TVET reform crosses one million mark

The federal government says its ongoing reform in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has enrolled over one million in its programmes.

Muyibat Olodo, director of technology and science education at the education ministry, spoke during a capacity-building workshop for TVET stakeholders in Kano on Tuesday.

Represented by deputy director Stella Uhuegbu, Olodo said the government’s broader agenda is to revitalise TVET, equip young people with relevant skills, and align training programmes with the demands of the labour market.

She added that more than 15,000 students are expected to resume at federal technical colleges across the country this weekend, while the verification of enrolled students is currently underway.

The workshop, organised under the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) III Project, is a collaboration between the government, UNESCO, and the Republic of Korea.

It aims to equip TVET leaders and decision-makers with the skills to effectively implement the reform agenda.

Olodo described the training as a “strategic intervention to equip key stakeholders with the skills necessary to effectively implement the BEAR III Project and advance Nigeria’s TVET reform agenda.”

“The 10-week online training you have completed has broadened your horizon, and the practical skills you will gain from this in-person workshop will help produce a workforce that is not only competent but also globally competitive,” she stated.

Mendy Albert, the UNESCO representative to Nigeria, said the initiative is designed to strengthen the strategic planning capacities of TVET managers.

Represented by BEAR III regional coordinator Manish Josh, he emphasised the importance of TVET in equipping young Nigerians with skills and creating pathways for self-employment.

“The objectives of this programme include strengthening strategic planning, aligning TVET programmes with labour market needs, and supporting institutions to develop and refine plans that promote quality and relevance in training,” Albert said.

Nigeria officially launched the revamped Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative in late May 2025.

The initiative includes two main training programmes: Masters 6 and Masters 12.

The Masters 6 is a six-month, short-term certificate programme ideal for first-time trainees or those with no formal education.

The Masters 12 is a more advanced, one-year programme for people who have some existing educational background or informal training.

Both programs focus on equipping young Nigerians with practical, industry-relevant skills.

The initiative offers tuition-free training, monthly stipends for participants, and starter packs or grants upon graduation to support entrepreneurship.

The training is a blend of 80 per cent practical and 20 per cent theoretical coursework, and it is offered at accredited centres including federal and state technical colleges across the country.